Galapagos Conservancy
August 20, 2007

Update on Shark Fishing in Ecuador

President Correa’s recent decision to legalize the sale and export of shark products (Repeal of Decree 2130 on July 30, 2007) has elicited great concern from many quarters and has generated confusion related to the issue of shark fishing in Ecuador.

Shark finning continues to be illegal in Ecuador, as is targeted shark fishing. Any kind of shark fishing (including bycatch--fish and other marine life caught accidentally along with the target species) and sale/export/transport of shark products in or from the Galapagos Marine Reserve continues to be illegal.

President Correa states that the 2004 ban on the sale and export of shark products was not having the desired outcome of reducing shark finning in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, and did not do much more than divert illegal fin trade to neighboring countries and drive mainland trade underground.

At the time of the ban, legal shark products (fins, meat, skins, cartilage) obtained through bycatch represented between 10-30% of the income of mainland artisanal fishermen who generally landed shark bycatch whole and utilized the entire shark (Martinez and Viteri 2005). This loss of income has caused strikes by fishermen and increasing levels of conflict between the fisheries and conservation sectors.

The recent repeal of Decree 2130 states that all shark bycatch must be presented whole, fins attached, for inspection and certification. Reports funded by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and other organizations have recommended this measure as part of a broader shark conservation plan that would include effective monitoring and research of shark populations.

A National Shark Plan for Ecuador is being drafted with the assistance of IUCN and the World Bank. Its content appears to follow the best practices recommended by these organizations. We hope to see the strong political will necessary for its successful implementation. Specifically, the Government of Ecuador will need to:

• Strengthen its ability to carry out effective inspections of the harvests of mainland fishing boats (more and better-trained inspectors are needed)
• Improve patrolling of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (the National Park needs additional help in this area)
• Obtain better information on shark populations and behavior in Ecuadorian waters (Galapagos Conservancy is currently searching for funding for several proposals related to shark research)
• And push for complementary shark policy in neighboring countries.

We recognize that the political climate in Ecuador is made more complex with the upcoming constitutional reform process. In the fall, delegates will be elected to draft a new constitution. These delegates will be discussing issues with far-reaching consequences for the country. We feel confident that the Assembly will address the importance of conservation as a long-term economic strategy for Ecuador and the health of the marine environment as a critical part of this debate.