Sea Cucumber Almost Gone Entirely, Stolen

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS PATI HERIN

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SAUMLAKI, KOMPAS – Sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) have almost disappeared from the waters around Seira Island, West Maluku Tenggara, Maluku, as a result of poaching. In fact, sea cucumbers in the area have been declared under sasi, or prohibited from fishing in accordance with local customs. Local residents are upset over the incident and have called for legal action against the poachers.

The poachers apparently took the sea cucumbers in the middle of the night, with support from security personnel and businesspeople that collected the marine animals.