Attakoya Thangal Marine Reserve

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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]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Newly Minted MPAs in the Lakshadweep Archipelago: Their significance and way forward". programs.wcs.org. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 "World's first sea cucumber conservation area in Lakshadweep". Hindustan Times. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  3. Shaji, K. A. (6 May 2020). "India readies the world's first safe zone for sea cucumbers". Quartz. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  4. "Sea Cucumbers: Countering the Illegal Trade". Kamakshi Ayyar. Retrieved 21 December 2021.