Divers in the Banana Islands off the coast of West Africa are risking their lives to harvest sea cucumbers, a delicacy highly sought after in Asian markets. Despite the high value of sea cucumbers, the divers themselves see little of the profits. Exploitation by intermediaries and challenging working conditions contribute to the economic hardship faced by these communities. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the sustainable harvesting of sea cucumbers and protect the livelihoods of the divers.