July 1, 2006
Translated from El Comercio

Illegal Fishing Continues in Isabela

Illegal fishing continues in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Yesterday, The Park reported that two sea lions had been rescued from the boat of a local artisanal fisherman.  

The sea lions were likely to die as they were tangled in a shark fishing net, which is prohibited in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. They were trying to save themselves but swimming was difficult in those conditions and they were on the point of drowning.   

A naval official arrested a small Galápagos Adventure’ speedboat, number P-01-1031, which was found in Pozón, on the east coast of Isabela.

The inspection revealed fishing equipment such as two shark nets, 21 melon-type bollas, and a net in the water in which the two sea lions were trapped.

Mario Piu, in charge of marine affairs for the Park, reported that the wardens had arrived there in time and had been able to free the sea lions.

“The presence of Tiburón Martillo the floating marine base, allows us to be able to do monitoring on a permanent basis, the idea of this work is prevention, as in this case we were able to save the lives of these young sea lions ”.

The Park reported that the people who had been apprehended are: Salvador Balladares, Mauricio Morales, and Alexander García, the last one has no permits.

Nevertheless, the Park was angry that as soon as they arrived on the dock of Puerto Villamil the suspects ran away, and the wardens did not have enough back-up to chase them.

The Park has said it will start legal proceedings. The boat and fishing equipment have been impounded by the Captain of Puerto Villamil.

Tiburón Martillo, the floating marine base on the east coast of Isla Isabela reinforces Park monitoring.

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