Sri Vijaya Puram, August 11: A joint search by the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and local police is continuing near Diglipur after three suspected sea cucumber poachers were arrested, with authorities suspecting that other members of the gang may still be in the area.
The arrests took place on August 9 during an operation in which the ANC and police intercepted an unauthorised boat. The coordinated operation, described as part of “Operation Falcon”, followed efforts to monitor national waters and protect coastal areas.
The ANC said the suspects were localised near Diglipur after the boat was intercepted. A subsequent joint search by the ANC and Andaman Police resulted in the apprehension of three poachers. The search remains underway because of the suspected presence of additional members of the group.
The latest action follows another operation by the ANC and police on the intervening night of July 28 and 29. During that operation, authorities arrested a poacher from Diglipur and seized a boat carrying more than 300 kg of sea cucumber off Smith Island.
Sea cucumbers, despite their name, are marine animals that perform an important ecological function. As detritivores, they recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter. They also release calcium carbonate, which supports coral reef health.
Their ecological importance contrasts with their value in the illegal trade. Sea cucumbers command high demand as luxury food and traditional medicine in East and Southeast Asia. The illegal international market can reportedly pay between USD 300 and USD 3,500 per kg, while some species can fetch as much as USD 35,000 per kg.
India accords sea cucumbers the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, making their possession illegal. They receive the same protection status under the law as tigers, elephants and one-horned rhinoceroses.
Enforcement remains difficult because the animals live on the seabed, making them harder to detect and protect from illegal harvesting. Poaching activity has been reported in both the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep, while Sri Lanka has also reported such activity and introduced stringent laws against it.
The Navy and Coast Guard continue to monitor for sea cucumber poaching in Indian waters. However, enforcement agencies have also raised concerns over prosecution, noting that several poachers arrested in previous cases have secured bail and returned to the illegal trade.
The ongoing search near Diglipur therefore comes amid repeated enforcement action against a trade involving a highly protected marine species and significant illegal-market value.
