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In recent months, China has increased its presence in Pacific Ocean fishing grounds; since June, Ecuadorian officials say 325 ships have sailed near their exclusive economic zone in the Galapagos Islands, of which 274 were from China and two from China.Flag boats ventured into the lucrative waters of Ecuador.
Ecuador’s Defense Minister Oswaldo Jarrón said at least 149 ships had deactivated their satellite tracking formula and two were within nine nautical miles of Ecuadorian-controlled waters.
Navy commander Edwin Pinto showed that the two Chinese vessels had been searched by patrols after entering his area, and discovered that the fishermen had encountered engine problems.
The Galapagos Islands in the Pacific are more than 1,000 miles from the mainland of Ecuador and are known for the diversity of marine life.
The Galapagos, made up of 127 other islands, have also been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The exclusive territory is located at the confluence of 3 ocean currents, making it one of the richest ecosystems in the world.
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Chinese activity in the region was “deeply troubling.”
Pompeo called on Beijing to “be transparent and implement its own zero-tolerance policy on illegal fishing.”
He said: “Reports of more than 300 Chinese ships near the Galapagos that disable tracking systems, convert ship names and leave marine debris are deeply troubling.”
Ecuador’s environmental teams have called for stricter measures and denounced fishing for species such as dolphins and sharks.
The Ecuadorian government has suggested to Beijing negotiate an agreement that allows officials to board Chinese ships for inspection, including outdoors in the Galapagos Exclusive Economic Zone in foreign waters.
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China’s ambassador to Ecuador, Chen Guoyou, insisted that his fishing boats operating near the Galapagos Islands comply with foreign fishing regulations.
He said: “With the exception of some delays or a loss of satellite signal transitority, all Chinese ships continue to operate and use tracking systems normally.”
Mr. Guoyou said the boats basically fished for squid, with a small percentage of tuna.
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He added: “The operational characteristics of squid fishing boats do not allow the accidental capture of sharks and other marine species.
“China is a wonderful fishing country and is also a fishing country.”
(Additional report through María Ortega)