Attakoya Thangal Marine Reserve
Attakoya Thangal Marine Reserve is the world's second marine conservation reserve for sea cucumbers. It was announced by the Lakshadweep Islands Administration in February 2020.[1] This reserve covers an area of about 344 sq. km and lies between Amini and Pitti archipelago.[1][2] This came into action when the smuggling of rare sea cuumber species was reported.[2] More than 1,716 sea cucumbers were seized by the administration on a desolate island named Suhali.[3] These rare species are in great demand for medicines and food in countries like China.[2] This conservation reserve comprises lagoons and coral formations which acts as a breeding ground for many species.[4]
References
- ^ a b "Newly Minted MPAs in the Lakshadweep Archipelago: Their significance and way forward". programs.wcs.org. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ a b c "World's first sea cucumber conservation area in Lakshadweep". Hindustan Times. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ Shaji, K. A. (6 May 2020). "India readies the world's first safe zone for sea cucumbers". Quartz. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Sea Cucumbers: Countering the Illegal Trade". Kamakshi Ayyar. Retrieved 21 December 2021.