Recently, more than 600 scientists from 54 countries signed a petition urging the United Nations to impose a moratorium on longline fishing in the Pacific. (See below, What is Longlining?)

Despite international opposition to longlining, Ecuador's Minister of Environment, Fabián Valdiviezo, helped the fishing sector to draft a proposal supporting it. This was in disregard of the participatory management system established under the Special Law.

This is the same Minister who appeared several weeks ago in Washington at the Inter American Development Bank, asking for $2 million to find alternative work for fishermen. Little did anyone know this was the kind of work he had in mind!

The same small group that has depleted lobster and sea cucumber populations has turned its sights higher. The fishing interests, having built support with local politicians, are emboldened, knowing that if it passes, their way will be free and clear. The door will be open, to never be shut again.

Although they claim that safeguards will be built into their longlining, they know that there is no way for the National Park to monitor their activities - especially if it is to be done at night, as they propose. Neither does the artisinal fishing fleet possess the technical or human resources to carry out proper longlining. Additionally, once started it will expand, encouraging further migration from the mainland.

There is opposition by conservation groups and Ecuadorian tourist organizations. The Ecuadorian press has spoken out as well. But it is unclear whether this opposition will make a difference. The outcry has not been nearly loud enough, given the stakes.

As one noted conservationist has said to us, It is "overwhelmingly clear that we are about to play the final card - this the end game - for the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Once longlining is in, it will be utterly impossible to remain vigilant - since neither the capacity nor knowledge exist to do so, much less any option to turn back once the disaster of longlining unfolds."

Longline fishing is a technique used to catch fish in open waters using single-stranded fishing lines with hundreds or thousands of baited hooks attached. The main line, which can extend for up to 60 miles, has secondary lines branching off. It is used to catch such species as tuna and swordfish.

The problem with longlining is by-catch, the unintended capture of birds, turtles, sharks, and other marine wildlife, which are attracted to the bait. According to the US Humane Society,

"Longlining results in the incidental capture and death ("bycatch") of many marine animals, including seabirds such as albatross and petrels, sea turtles, sharks and other fish, and seals. Sea birds are disappearing for a variety of reasons, including breeding site disturbance, disease, and pollution, but the greatest threat to albatross and petrel species worldwide is longline fisheries. When the lines are set, sea birds are attracted to the bait, get caught on the hooks, and drown. An estimated 400 albatross die this way every week."

According to a report by the American Sea Turtle Restoration Trust, "Many species found in the longline "bycatch" have been seriously depleted and some pushed towards extinction."

Longlining has been banned by the The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) in the waters off California, Oregon and Washington.

Recently, more than 600 scientists from 54 countries have signed a petition urging the United Nations to impose a moratorium on longline fishing in the Pacific. Robert Ovetz, the author of the report, says, "Longlines are wiping out the lions and tigers of the ocean - sharks, billfish and tunas, as well as sea turtles. Catches are indiscriminate and therefore uncontrollable," he said. (See the link to the left. "Scientists demand an end to 'green' longline fishing" by David Harrison)

Significantly, an experimental pilot plan has already been carried out in the Galapagos for 96 days with 155 launchings of longlines of between 80 and 350 hooks each one. 845 units of intended fish prey were captured, along with 568 unintended fish, including 482 sharks, 60 rays and 20 turtles. These results speak for themselves.

IGTOA has learned that longlining, in fact, contravenes an international agreement signed by Ecuador for the conservation of sea birds, especially albatross and petrels.

The site for this agreement is:

http://www.cms.int/species/acap/acap_text.htm