Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 August 2025
In a swift maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) unit under the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) recently intercepted a suspected poaching attempt off Mackey Point near North Andaman, recovering about 350 kg of prohibited sea cucumbers from an abandoned dinghy.
Acting on specific intelligence about a suspicious boat movement, ICG teams launched two interceptor units towards Mackey Point. On spotting the patrol, the poachers abandoned their dinghy and fled into nearby mangrove creeks, leaving behind their catch. A search of the vessel led to the seizure of the consignment of sea cucumbers, a species protected under India’s Wildlife Protection framework.
The seized boat and contraband were later handed over to the local Police for further investigation. The surveillance in the area has been intensified to deter similar attempts. Mackey Point is dotted with creeks and intertidal zones that often serve as hideouts for poachers. The northern waters of the archipelago, including stretches near Landfall Island, have repeatedly been targeted for illegal sea cucumber harvesting due to their proximity to international waters and the lucrative illicit trade.
Sea cucumbers play a vital ecological role in maintaining marine health, yet they are poached extensively for their high demand in Southeast Asian markets. Their harvesting, possession, and trade are banned in India, and violators face strict legal action. (Story Based on Social Media Post by ANC)
