Ecuador's Navy Gears Up to Protect Galapagos Marine Life from Illegal Fishing

Ecuador's navy intensifies its efforts to protect the Galapagos Islands from illegal fishing by foreign ships, following joint training exercises with allies. Authorities captured a Chinese vessel laden with 300 tons of fish in 2017, highlighting the ongoing threat to the archipelago's diverse marine ecosystems.

Ecuador's navy has ramped up its measures to defend the Galapagos Islands from illegal fishing by foreign ships. This initiative comes after conducting joint training exercises with neighboring countries.

Efforts began in earnest in 2018 following the capture of a Chinese-flagged ship that was found with 300 tonnes of fish within the protected area. The ship, now named the Hualcopo, is permanently under Ecuadorian control.

Commander Guillermo Miranda highlighted the severe impact of foreign fishing fleets on the Galapagos' marine ecosystems. Training drills involved six Ecuadorian and several allied vessels, simulating operations to intercept illicit fishing activities.