Chinese crew sentenced for illegal fishing in the Galapagos

Last week, a Chinese ship was caught illegally fishing in the Ecuadorian exclusive economic zone from the Galapagos Islands, 900 kms west of continental Ecuador and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The ship was caught with more than 6000 sharks from the area, and other protected species.

The aftermath set a precedent with the Ecuadorian law, as the ship’s crew face jail sentences and a US $5 million (AUS$6.3 million) fine under laws passed after the South American country gave rights to the environment.

Speakers:

• Andrés Pazmiño - PhD candidate from Griffith University