In an effort to safeguard the rich marine wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador's navy has partnered with neighboring allies to combat illegal fishing by foreign ships. Training exercises were conducted around the Galapagos, which is situated within a mega-diverse marine reserve, starting in 2018 after a ship with the Chinese flag was seized in the protected area the previous year.

The captured vessel, originally named Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999, was carrying a massive 300 tonnes of fish. Following legal proceedings, the ship was permanently handed over to Ecuador in 2020 and renamed Hualcopo. Frigate captain Guillermo Miranda, who commanded the captured ship, emphasized the threat posed by foreign fishing vessels, stating that they not only deplete ecosystems but also harm migratory species crucial to the Galapagos marine ecosystem. Miranda emphasized that this is not just an issue for Ecuador but a serious problem overall.

To tackle the problem head-on, six Ecuadorean ships joined forces with the United States, Peruvian, and Colombian navies for training exercises conducted between June 23 and July 9. The exercises focused on simulating operations to intercept and board fishing boats engaged in illegal activities.

Every year, a considerable number of fishing vessels, mainly flying the Chinese flag, venture close to the Galapagos Islands. This region holds great significance as it inspired British scientist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in the 19th century. To evade detection, the boats reportedly turn off their radars to avoid monitoring of their fishing activities.

China has maintained that its fishing vessels adhere to international guidelines for fishing in open waters, claiming that the operating characteristics of squid fishing vessels prevent the accidental capture of protected marine species such as sharks. However, the Ecuadorian government remains committed to protecting the marine biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands from the detrimental effects of illegal fishing.

With the united efforts of Ecuador and its neighboring allies, hopes are high for a successful crackdown on illegal fishing and the preservation of the unique marine ecosystems around the Galapagos Islands. The training exercises serve as a testament to the dedication and resolve of these nations to combat the plundering of these precious natural resources.