Ecuador says Chinese fishing vessels near the Galapagos have turned off tracking systems to prevent being monitored

Ecuador’s naval forces said about half of the 325 vessels from a predominantly Chinese fishing fleet operating near the Galapagos Islands have turned off their satellite systems and cut communications to prevent their activities from being tracked.

Some vessels have also changed their names to avoid being monitored, the navy said.

“It is a breach [of protocol] on the high seas, because they do not want us to know what they are doing and the activities they carry out,” said Ecuador’s defence minister Oswaldo Jarrin.

He also said that turning off satellite systems violated international rules that govern fisheries management meant to promote sustainable fishing.

Ecuador has been working to prevent unsustainable fishing off its coast in efforts to protect the delicate ecosystem around the Galapagos, while trying to avoid a row with China, one of its biggest trade partners.

The South American nation has also been keen to resume exporting shrimp to China after authorities halted trade upon detecting coronavirus in recent shipments. China previously blocked seafood imports from other countries, including Norway, amid fears contaminated packaging or food was linked to new outbreaks.

Environmentalists have said Chinese vessels fishing near the Galapagos are endangering the ecologically sensitive area by throwing plastic waste overboard, polluting the ocean and nearby pristine beaches.

Such plastic can kill ocean wildlife by blocking their airways if ingested, or poisoning animals. The waste is also a threat onshore to land birds, iguanas and other animals.

After environmental concerns were raised, China promised a “zero tolerance” policy toward illegal fishing and authorised the Ecuadorian authorities to supervise vessels. It is unclear whether Chinese vessels have engaged in more sustainable practices since.

Since 2017, a Chinese fishing fleet has arrived each summer near the Galapagos, attracted by abundant marine life, such as the giant squid and hammerhead shark, an endangered species.

On Wednesday, the foreign ministry in Beijing did not respond to Ecuador’s allegations, instead claiming that China was “a responsible major fishing country".

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