September 1st 2023.
Two smugglers pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday to charges of illegally importing endangered brown sea cucumbers, an endangered species found off the Pacific coast of Mexico, Central America, and the Galapagos Islands, for tens of thousands of dollars.
Zunyu Zhao and Xionwei Xiao were trafficking in isostichopus fuscus, more commonly known as the brown sea cucumber. This species was listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2010, and the organization estimates their wild population is still decreasing.
However, the creatures are still a high-value black market commodity in some places. They are eaten as a delicacy across countries in Asia and the Pacific, and in China, they also fetch a high price for their use in traditional medicine and their believed role as an aphrodisiac.
Despite their endangered status, investigators identified multiple times Zhao and Xiao crossed the US-Mexico border at the Calexico Port of Entry with small packages containing the sea creatures. Although they did not declare they were transporting animals, investigators uncovered text message conversations coordinating the transportation of the high-value sea creatures.
Federal prosecutors estimated that the sea creatures had a black market value of $435 per kilogram. The duo smuggled in at least 23.5kg of sea cucumbers, netting them a total of $10,222.
“This office is committed to upholding the twin pillars of marine biodiversity and conservation,” said Acting United States Attorney Andrew R Haden. “Criminals considering poaching protected species should be aware that this office will diligently investigate, thoroughly prosecute, and seek restitution no matter the species.”
A study published by researchers at Michigan State University shows that black market sea cucumber fishing and smuggling has become a lucrative business on the country’s Pacific coast. The study estimates that authorities have seized about $29.5million in sea cucumbers since 2011. The authors of the study say that the animal’s high value and global demand makes the illegal fisheries a “worthwhile investment for organized crime.” It even notes of one instance from November 2021 when sea cucumbers were uncovered during the raid of a cartel safehouse being used to manufacture fentanyl.
The crime of illegal trafficking of endangered species is a serious one, and this case serves as an example of why the law should be enforced. We must continue to take steps to protect species, not only for the sake of biodiversity, but for the wellbeing of future generations.
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