As required by Ecuadorian law, all of the illegally-caught sharks were returned to the sea today. Three of the 30 arrested fisherman – the captain and two crew members – joined the scientists to witness the burial to ensure transparency in the disposal of their catch.

Before returning them to the sea, scientists measured and sexed each shark and took samples for genetic and demographic analysis. They discovered during this process that there were a total of 379 sharks slaughtered, not 357 as originally reported. The dorsal fins had been almost completely severed, so it is believed that they were captured for the in-demand Asian delicacy of shark fin soup.

The arrested fishermen are currently in jail awaiting a hearing where they will face criminal charges. It is illegal to capture, sell and transfer sharks of any kind in the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR). In addition, the Special Law for Galapagos, which established the GMR, prohibits industrial fishing activities, including the use of longlines.

Related Content

The Galapagos National Park Service will repatriate 150 juvenile tortoises from the Isabela Island Breeding Center

Galapagos Children Learn About Conservation at "Happy Vacation Camp”

Monitoring Reveals Excellent State of Conservation on Wolf Island in Galapagos