Illegal Fishing: How does it affect our sector?
In Ecuador, illegal fishing has been a persistent problem affecting both fish populations and the country's economy. According to reports from organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, illegal fishing is estimated to represent a significant portion of global fishing activity, with considerable economic impact. Illegal fishing can have several negative effects on Ecuador's fishing sector. Here are some of them:
Decrease in fish populations: Illegal fishing often disregards established catch limits set by authorities. This can lead to overexploitation of fish populations, reducing the availability of fish for legal fishermen.
Damage to marine ecosystems: Some illegal fishing practices, such as the use of destructive fishing gear or the capture of protected species, can cause significant harm to the marine environment, including habitat destruction and incidental catch of non-target species.
Unfair competition: Illegal fishermen often operate outside legal boundaries and avoid the costs associated with legal fishing, allowing them to sell fish at lower prices. This can create unfair competition for legal fishermen and affect their income.
Economic impact: Illegal fishing can negatively impact the country's economy by reducing revenue generated from legal fishing and decreasing tax revenues associated with this activity.
Types of Illegal Fishing
Illegal fishing can take various forms and encompass a variety of illicit activities related to the capture of fish and other marine resources. Here are the most common types of illegal fishing:
Fishing without a license: Engaging in fishing activities without obtaining the necessary permits or licenses according to local, national, or international regulations.
Poaching: Capturing fish in areas where fishing is prohibited or during closed seasons, when fishing activity is restricted to allow for the recovery of fish populations.
Capture of prohibited species: Fishing for protected or endangered species, often referred to as "bycatch."
Illegal fishing gear and methods: Using unauthorized or prohibited fishing techniques, such as improper mesh size gillnets, dynamite, poison, or illegal traps to catch fish.
Exceeding catch limits: Capturing a quantity of fish that exceeds the catch limits established by fishing regulations.
Destructive bottom trawling: Using bottom trawling methods that damage the seabed and marine ecosystems, which is often considered unsustainable.
Fishing in territorial waters without permission: Entering and fishing in the territorial waters of a country without proper authorization.
The Ecuadorian government has implemented various measures to combat illegal fishing, including strengthening surveillance and control in its territorial waters, international cooperation, and the adoption of tracking and monitoring technologies for fishing vessels. However, the problem of illegal fishing is complex and multifaceted, and its eradication requires continuous and coordinated efforts at both national and international levels.
