Ecuador Enhances Naval Operations to Combat Illegal Fishing Near Galapagos Islands

Ecuador's navy has ramped up efforts to safeguard the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands from illegal fishing activities by foreign vessels, particularly those from China. This initiative follows a series of training exercises conducted with regional allies, aimed at bolstering maritime security in the archipelago, which is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The training operations commenced in 2018 after the capture of a Chinese fishing vessel, the Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999, which was found with 300 tonnes of fish in the protected area. Frigate Captain Guillermo Miranda, who oversaw the capture of the vessel, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the influx of foreign fishing boats poses a significant threat to the delicate marine ecosystems. He highlighted the impact on migratory species that are integral to the Galapagos marine environment, stating that the issue extends beyond Ecuador's borders. The captured vessel was later renamed Hualcopo and officially transferred to Ecuador in 2020. From June 23 to July 9, six Ecuadorean naval ships participated in joint exercises with the U.S., Peruvian, and Colombian navies, simulating operations to intercept and board illegal fishing boats. Each year, a substantial fleet of foreign fishing vessels, predominantly Chinese, approaches the Galapagos, often disabling their radars to evade detection. In response, the Chinese government asserts that its fishing operations adhere to international regulations, claiming that their squid fishing practices do not result in the bycatch of protected species.