The illegal fishing and smuggling of polychaete worms has emerged as a serious threat at Pulicat Lake in India. Fishermen have raised alarms about poachers who target these worms for lucrative trade.

Local reports reveal that the worms are fished illegally and sent to Andhra Pradesh, where they fetch a high price, DTNext reports. Fishermen claim that they are paid around ₹800 per kilogram, while prawn farms later pay up to ₹5,000 per kilogram for these worms.

The worms play a key role in the lake’s ecology. They serve as food for fish, crabs, and birds, and their presence helps maintain a balanced food chain. Without them, many species may struggle to survive. This disruption puts the livelihoods of around 40 fishing hamlets at risk.

Fishermen and local residents worry that if polychaete numbers drop, the quality of fish catches will diminish, affecting both nutrition and income.

Photo: Pexels

Poachers extract polychaete worms from Pulicat Lake.

Impact on the Ecosystem and Local Livelihoods

Pulicat Lake, the second largest brackish water lagoon in India, supports diverse marine life. Its ecosystem thrives on the delicate balance between the mangroves, aquatic species, and the worms that help recycle nutrients. Experts warn that the rampant poaching of these worms can lead to long-term ecological damage.

Sultan Ahmed Ismail, a soil biologist, told BBC Future that polychaete worms help process detritus. Their removal breaks a vital link in the food chain, eventually leading to the decline of fish and other species.

Local women have taken a stand against the poachers. They patrol the shallow banks of the lake and chase away intruders. These women report that poachers dig deep holes in the muddy soil, which not only extracts worms but also creates dangerous craters that have led to injuries among residents. One woman recalled how a poacher’s bucket caused her to slip and nearly drown. These incidents highlight that the impact is not limited to the environment; human safety is also at stake.

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Smuggling disrupts a fragile ecological balance.

Community Response and Conservation Efforts

Community members have organized themselves to confront the poaching crisis. Residents and local fisherwomen, some of whom have lost family members to accidents caused by these dangerous practices, have united to safeguard their future. They now monitor their surroundings from early morning.

Women such as Jyothi and Lakshmi have led community patrols, standing guard against poachers armed with shovels and buckets, as BBC Future reports. Their actions have at times forced poachers to retreat.

In addition to confronting poachers, locals are trying to restore the degraded parts of the lake. Efforts include replanting mangroves and improving water flow through newly dug canals. These actions aim to stabilize the ecosystem and support native species. However, these community initiatives face challenges. Poachers disrupt restoration work by filling canal bunds with dirt and silt during their illegal activities, Mongabay reports.

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Poaching threatens biodiversity.

Wildlife Trafficking and Wider Implications

India has become a hub for wildlife trafficking, with poaching affecting not only polychaete worms but also many other species. Traffickers operate along major transport routes and even exploit loopholes in wildlife protection laws, Mongabay reports. While many discussions focus on high-profile species like tigers and pangolins, small creatures such as polychaete worms receive little attention despite their critical ecological role.

The worm smuggling trade reflects a broader trend of exploitation. Greedy traders, often with the support of local intermediaries, drive the market with high profits. One trader told New Indian Express that bulk purchases of worms can earn him between ₹30-40 lakh per tonne when sold to aquaculture units. This economic lure fuels continued illegal activity and endangers a fragile ecosystem.

Photo: Pexels

Poaching disrupts sustainable mangrove restoration.  

Urgency for Policy and Enforcement

The situation calls for swift policy intervention and better enforcement. Local authorities have held meetings to discuss the problem, but tangible actions have yet to materialize. Delays in government response exacerbate the crisis, leaving communities vulnerable. The disruption of the natural food chain could lead to severe declines in local biodiversity and affect regional tourism.

Environmental scientists and local activists urge that a regulated approach to worm harvesting could help manage the trade. They propose legalizing the trade within a controlled area. This strategy would allow for sustainable cultivation of the worms and curb the damaging poaching practices. The suggestion has sparked debate among conservationists and law enforcement officials who are weighing economic benefits against long-term ecological harm.

The illegal smuggling of polychaete worms is not just a local concern; it represents a broader challenge in wildlife trafficking. It jeopardizes biodiversity, endangers local livelihoods, and poses a threat to community safety. Immediate and coordinated efforts by government agencies and local communities are essential to restore balance at Pulicat Lake and preserve its ecological heritage.