By Jaison Wilson
New Delhi, Apr 8 (UNI) Sea cucumbers found in the seafloor play a critical role in marine ecosystems, cycling nutrient material. But these otherworldly animals have been prized as a delicacy in Asia for centuries, where the wealthiest would eat the creatures as a nutritious high-protein treat. But their demand has increased since the 1980s, especially in China.
And so has their poaching and smuggling. Islands in and around of Lakshadweep have in recent years been witnessing the seizure of the marine animal worth crores of rupees.