An Asian fishing fleet remains in international waters near to the islands.
Collectives such as the National Animal Movement or the Pacific Whale Foundation ask to expand the Galapagos Marine Reserve (RMG), which is currently 40 miles, to protect the archipelago species due to the presence of an Asian-origin fishing fleet in international waters.
The Governor of Galapagos, Norman Wray, also agrees with that proposal and there is already a project on the subject in the National Assembly.
Although the expansion of the Marine Reserve would not have the influence to stop or neutralize fleets such as the Chinese one, it would have the advantage of establishing a conservation and surveillance corridor between the Galapagos, Gorgona and Malpelo (Colombia), Coiba (Panama) and Cocos ( Costa Rica).
These transboundary biological corridors are used by migratory species and are intended to contribute to their conservation.
Another alternative is to create a protected area within the Exclusive Economic Zone. But unions such as the National Chamber of Fisheries are opposed to these options because they consider that the area of Ecuadorian vessels would be reduced, which would have an impact on the economy of this sector.
Environmentalists also suggest that the country subscribe to the Global Ocean Alliance, in order to have better coverage and protection of the ocean against predators and climate change.
Wray said that the studies for the connection of submarine and continental platforms must be completed and connect with the Costa Rica platform.
The official mentioned that Galapagos leads a posture of marine protection, for which he considered it necessary to sign the High Seas Treaty.
To this must be added the maritime controls by the Navy.
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