We are Pacifico Libre and SOS Galapagos: today we raise our voice to defend the Galapagos animals and to stop the Longline fishery or "Modified Ocean Draw" which was prohibited in the Archipelago until 2005, since it is a method of fishing that harms lethally to the island's protected animals, such as sea lions or sea turtles.

This petition is addressed to the Galapagos National Park, the Government of Galapagos (CGREG), the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Production, the President of the Permanent Commission Specialized in Biodiversity and Natural Resources in the National Assembly of Ecuador, and the candidates for president, Guillermo Lasso and Andrés Arauz.

The 'Longline Fishing Gear' or 'Modified Ocean Draw' is a fishing strategy that involves a main floating line with secondary and vertical lines that can be kilometers long, with hundreds of hooks. It is preferred by fishermen due to the speed at which they catch commercial species such as swordfish and tuna, making it more profitable. However, due to its size, the capture showed more than that.

According to a study on the Pilot Plan for the Experimental Longline Fishery in Galapagos in 2012-2013 (Tite, 2015), 366 of different species of sharks were caught (6.8%); 86 manta rays (1.6%) and the remaining bycatch including 7 sea lions, 23 green turtles, the percentage of bycatch was 16% more than the second study from July 2013 to November 2013. In December 2012 it was the highest bycatch rate with 34.19%.

The Galapagos Islands have served as a refuge for many of these endangered species around the world. However, the Galapagos National Park claims to be reviving the economy by allowing longline fishing to take place, but there is not enough control after the boats returning from deep sea fishing land on shore, there is not enough control by park rangers to collect data.

We are asking the responsible authorities, who are allowing the apparent use of prohibited fishing longlines, to make a public appearance justifying the decision, or to take over the study and permanently ban this type of fishery in Galapagos.

THE FOLLOWING VIDEO LINK SHOWS THE REALITY OF THE PROBLEM:

https://www.facebook.com/agipagalapagos/videos/1905355619777176/

HERE MORE ARTICLES TO UNDERSTAND:

https://sosgalapagos.org/2020/10/02/long-line-fishing-in-the-galapagos-archipelago/?wref=tp

https://sosgalapagos.org/2020/11/02/2018-archive-the-longline-threat-returns-to-galapagos/

RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR GALAPAGOS AND SIGN THIS PETITION.

With much appreciation,

The Conservation Community of the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador