Sea Cucumbers Seized in Inhassoro, Inhambane Province

Two Mozambican nationals were arrested during an operation in the town of Inhassoro, Inhambane Province, after being found in possession of sea cucumbers allegedly intended for sale. The operation resulted in the arrest of both suspects and the seizure of the products.

Sea cucumbers are marine invertebrates related to starfish and sea urchins. They play an important role in marine ecosystems by recycling nutrients and helping maintain healthy seabed sediments. Many commercially harvested species are vulnerable to overexploitation, and depleted populations can take years to recover.

Their commercial value comes largely from demand in Asian food markets, where they are commonly traded as a dried product known as bêche-de-mer. High prices and strong international demand, combined with the ease of collecting them in shallow waters, create incentives for excessive harvesting. Where oversight and enforcement are weak, these pressures also contribute to illegal collection and trade.

In the Inhassoro case, the species, origin and total quantity or weight of the seized sea cucumbers have not yet been confirmed. Further investigation is needed to establish these details and identify any other individuals who may have been involved in their acquisition, transport and attempted sale.