On June 14, 2006, Dr. Jack Stein Grove, author of Fishes of the Galapagos and long-time Galapagos guide gave a presentation on Galapagos fishes for the Islamorada (FL) Fishing Club.  In that presentation, Dr. Grove reiterated that sport fishing is currently illegal in Galapagos waters and expressed his concern that many sport fishermen are not acting responsibly and are disobeying Park regulations. Galapagos Conservancy supports Dr. Grove’s position and we have stated publicly that, should sport fishing move forward in Galapagos, it must have the benefit of strong regulations, responsible implementation, and provide real economic benefits to local residents.  
 
The International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) has been involved in an effort to stop illegal sport fishing in Galapagos and is working closely with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).  In a joint statement with IGTOA, IGFA stated that it does not promote sport fishing in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, does not sanction any of its members to promote sport fishing, and agreed to inform its members that sport fishing is illegal.

IGTOA recently reported that a lawsuit has been filed against a Galapagos National Park Ranger on behalf of a group on the sport fishing boat, Albermar. According to the IGTOA report, Jaime Morales, the pilot of a small Park aircraft, flew over the boat, which resulted in a claim by the boat’s clients that his actions put the guests at risk. Park Director Raquel Molina has promised to use the Park's full legal resources to defend the pilot. A recent IGTOA press release quoted Molina as saying, “The group, which included a naval officer, were sport fishing and threatened to take away the Park pilot's license and kill the warden in charge of the flight. This does not intimidate us."

We appreciate the hard work of the members of IGTOA and Dr. Jack Grove in defense of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and in support of the Galapagos National Park.