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Galapagos Fishing Sector: Alternatives must be defined before 2006 Regulations regarding economic alternatives and zoning of the Galapagos Marine Reserve were established by the Participatory Management Board (JMP) and the Inter-Institutional Management Authority (AIM). However, the fishing industry is upset by the apparent disregard for the regulations. Authorities have been discussing these issues, without resolution, since the year 2000. Galapagos fishermen want to work peacefully and are in favor of diversifying their activities, but they require the support and backing of those who say they want to resolve existing social conflict. At the beginning of March of 2000, an agreement was reached regarding a proposal for provisional zoning in the GMR. This agreement stated that a number of strategies would be implemented, including: financing for fishermen seeking to diversify activities, implementation of long lining, training in dive techniques and mechanics, and other measures to shift members of the Fishing Sector to activities related to tourism. This agreement expired on December 31, 2000. Five years have passed since the agreement was signed and its terms have not been met. Meanwhile, the situation has become more critical for fishermen, and the political manipulation and economic interests at work in Galapagos have become more and more evident. There have been numerous irregularities among those who call themselves conservationists, yet continue to act with impunity. Recent irregularities include the Sport Fishing Tournament, the careless scientists on Española Island, and the case of the Xpedition. Ana Albán, Minister of the Environment, has not been in Galapagos since June 2005, at which time she offered the Fishing Sector $1.5 million in government support and 3 million Euros from ETIMOS to establish a credit system for alternative forms of income generation. Ing. Carrasco, undersecretary of the Ministry of the Environment, has been present at recent meetings of the AIM, but has not offered explanations for the Ministry’s failure to follow through on its promise to hold a meeting on November 20, 2005 to deal with the questions related to long-lining, artisanal demonstrational fishing, and other economic alternatives. During the last meeting of the Council of the National Galapagos Institute (INGALA), several recommendations were made which could help Galapagos in positive ways: 1) Sanction Galapagos National Park directors who do not prohibit and penalize illegal activities that violate the Galapagos Marine Reserve laws. 2) Consult with the Secretary of State regarding the legality and constitutionality of existing fishing legislation, LOREG and the nature of sanctions. 3) Ensure that the AIM meets to finalize its position on long-lining, demonstrational artisanal fishing, and other economic alternatives for fishermen that have been discussed by the AIM and INGALA. The credibility of these organizations among fishermen is being lost. In a letter to the Minister of the Environment, Rogelio Guaycha, Representative for the Galapagos Fishing Sector, addressed the fact that these issues have not been resolved, and the fishing sector might be forced to reclaim its rights in a manner which the fishermen would like to avoid. Sincerely, Rogelio Guaycha Contact: comments@galapagos.org |
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