There are currently 200+ Chinese fishing vessels operating at the edge of the economic exclusion zone around the Galapagos Islands. The fleet includes fishing boats and refrigerated container ships. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on the planet, including species such as whale sharks, scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, manta rays, and many more.

The site where the Chinese vessels are located is a major migration route for endangered species. A whale shark named Hope was last recorded going 8 knots in the area where the fishing vessels are operating. That is faster than a whale shark can swim.

Three years ago, a single vessel was intercepted straying into the protected area around the Galapagos Islands. 300 tons of scalloped hammerhead shark fins were found onboard. There are now over 200 vessels on the edge of the economic exclusion zone.

The Galapagos marine reserve extendes 40 nautical miles from the islands. The economic exclusion zone extends up to 200 nautical miles. The fleet is already operating on the edge of the economic exclusion zone. 

We are calling for a moratorium on fishing in the high seas surrounding the galapagos islands.

Please sign this petition to help protect the biodiversity of the Galapagos.

Check out https://globalfishingwatch.org/map/ to view the fishing fleet in real time.