DNA-based identification uncovers the illegal trade of sea cucumbers from Brazil

The illegal trade of sea cucumbers is widespread, driven by high international demand, particularly in Asia, where they are valued as culinary delicacies and for use in traditional medicine. Although domestic consumption in Brazil is limited, illegal harvesting for export is a growing concern, with unregulated fisheries posing a threat to local populations. In 2023, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) seized dried sea cucumber specimens at Guarulhos International Airport. Using DNA barcoding with the Cytochrome C Oxidase I (COI) gene, we identified 18 specimens as Holothuria grisea and 22 as Isostichopus badionotus. Although both species are currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN globally, the unregulated nature of this trade raises concerns about potential overexploitation, especially given the ecosystems they inhabit are increasingly vulnerable to habitat degradation and unsustainable practices. Additionally, the absence of H. grisea sequences in public genetic databases required us to collect fresh specimens to complete the analysis, underscoring the need for expanded molecular repositories. Open access to molecular repositories is a cornerstone of modern scientific progress, serving as a critical infrastructure for collaborative research. By providing unrestricted availability of standardized molecular data, these repositories not only prevent redundant investigations and optimize the use of research resources but also reinforce the robustness and reproducibility of scientific findings through independent validation. Furthermore, this democratization of knowledge levels the scientific playing field, enabling institutions of varying sizes and from diverse geographical locations to contribute equitably to the global research endeavor. Consequently, open access to these databases maximizes the return on public investment in science and significantly accelerates the pace of discovery in critical fields such as drug development and materials science. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of molecular tools in identifying illegally traded species, even in degraded forms, and emphasize the importance of stricter monitoring to protect biodiversity.