In a significant development, wildlife traffickers in California have recently pleaded guilty to illegally importing endangered sea cucumbers from Mexico. Zunyu Zhao and Xionwei Xiao, the accused, have been charged with conspiracy and illegal importation of brown sea cucumbers valued at over $10,000, between 2017 and 2019. Both individuals are scheduled to be sentenced in September and November, respectively, according to the Associated Press. The origin of the sea cucumbers has not been disclosed by the prosecutors. However, the defendants were apparently caught with the smuggled sea cucumbers as they crossed the US-Mexico border in Calexico. As part of their punishment, Zhao and Xiao have agreed to pay restitution to the Mexican government’s environmental protection agency. The maximum penalty they could face is 25 years in prison.
The investigation into the illegal importation of sea cucumbers resulted in the discovery of incriminating text messages and images exchanged between Zhao and Xiao. Currently, the sea cucumbers are being held as evidence by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Acting US Attorney Andrew R. Haden emphasized the commitment of his office to marine biodiversity and conservation. He stated, “Criminals considering poaching protected species should be aware that this office will diligently investigate, thoroughly prosecute, and seek restitution no matter the species.” Sea cucumbers belong to the same family as sea stars and sea urchins and can grow up to 7 feet in length. The brown sea cucumbers, known as Isostichopus fuscus, have a smooth body covered in warts and can reach a length of 2 feet.
Gordon Hendler, curator of echinoderms at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles, explained that sea cucumbers play a vital role in the ocean’s ecosystem. Acting as “vacuums” on the seafloor, they break down particles, contributing to the nutrient cycle of the ocean. While the destination of the seized cucumbers has not been disclosed, there is a thriving black market that frequently transports them to China, where they are considered a delicacy. In Chinese cuisine, sea cucumbers are traditionally served dried or fresh and prepared with fish, vegetables, and traditional sauces. They are also sought after for their alleged medicinal properties, including the treatment of joint pain, cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory effects, and even as an aphrodisiac. However, due to overfishing, regulations have been put in place to protect the brown sea cucumber.
Harvesting sea cucumbers is permitted in limited quantities and only during specific seasons in the US and many other parts of the world. Unfortunately, defendants Zhao and Xiao did not possess the required permits and documentation, according to a spokesperson for the US attorney’s office. This case is not an isolated incident, as there have been previous instances of sea cucumber smuggling. In 2017, a father-son partnership smuggled more than $17 million worth of sea cucumbers from Mexico to the US, which were then exported to Asia. Additionally, from 2015 to 2020, the Sri Lankan navy and the Indian Coast Guard made over 500 arrests related to $2.84 million worth of sea cucumber thefts. Furthermore, there is a pending case in Chula Vista, California, involving the illegal trafficking of sea cucumbers, seahorses, and totoaba fish bellies between 2016 and 2021.
(Read more sea cucumber stories.)
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