One of the most bountiful fisheries in the world
Ecuador has one of the most bountiful fisheries in the world. With over 600 thousand metric tons (Mt) of wild fish capture reported in 2020, these fisheries play a crucial role in Ecuador’s economy. Currently, Ecuador has the largest small-scale artisanal fishing fleet in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, consisting of 15,550 fishing vessels and directly employing 58,000 people.
The fish species that make up the majority of Ecuador’s fishing industry include: sardines, anchovies and jack mackerel. Furthermore, some of these species also come to Ecuador to reproduce making these waters important for the maintenance of healthy fish populations. However, the fishing industry in Ecuador is also facing significant challenges, particularly with regards to bycatch.
Why does Ecuador have so many fish?
Ecuador is a country blessed with a rich diversity of marine life due to its highly fortunate location between two major ocean currents, the Humboldt Current and the Panama Current (see the picture below). The Panama Current travels down from the north bringing warmer waters around the month of November. Conversely, the Humboldt current carries cold water up from the Antarctic and along the coasts of Chile, Peru and ultimately Ecuador.
The meeting of these currents off the coast of Ecuador is the true secret behind Ecuador’s bountiful seas. As the Panama and Humboldt current interact, they coax nutrient rich water up from the depths to the surface of the sea. These nutrients then support expansive growth in phytoplankton, which form the base of the food chain.
As a result, there is plenty of food allowing for other species in the food chain such as manta rays and whales to migrate into the area. Therefore, it is no surprise that Ecuadorian waters contain over 1,600 species of fish and many other marine animals and seabirds.
What causes bycatch in Ecuador?
Bycatch is a term used to describe the unintended capture of non-targeted species during fishing operations. It is an unfortunate part of most commercial fishing; however, it is particularly prevalent in
Ecuador’s fisheries. There is no one cause of bycatch and therefore it is a complex issue with no one solution. Here are few factors that combine to cause a bycatch problem that threatens to undermine Ecuador’s uniquely plentiful fisheries.
Unfortunately, the common fishing gear used in Ecuador is prone to bycatch. Artisan fishers mostly use longlines and gillnets to catch fish. Although highly effective fishing gear, they are not very selective and often trap and kill non-targeted species. For example, some gillnets are made with large mesh sizes that can easily capture a wide range of different animals of different sizes.
It is important to note that bycatch is a lose-lose situation for both the fishermen and the marine ecosystem they rely upon. In addition to negatively impacting the populations of marine species, bycatch also impacts the income of a fisherman. When larger animals, such as whales, are trapped in nets or longlines, they will thrash around in an attempt to free themselves. In doing so, they can cause costly damage to the fishing gear.
Many of the species that are commonly targeted by Ecuador’s fishing industry, such as tuna and swordfish, are highly migratory and often travel through international waters. As a result, it is difficult to regulate and monitor fishing activities. This is particularly apparent in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters off the ecuadorian coast which are a hotspot for increased activity by foreign fleets. These fleets operate freely throughout the Pacific Ocean which fish without moderation or enforcement, resulting in unsustainable fishing practices.
In addition to foreign fleets, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing also takes place beyond the coastal waters of Ecuador. IUU fishing is an illegal activity contributing to devastating environmental loss and ecological damage. Sadly IUU fishing is hard to monitor and regulate due to government agencies and navies being woefully underfunded to address the issue.
When it comes to bycatch, Ecuador’s rich ecosystem is both a blessing and a curse. The abundance of marine life such as manta ray, sharks, turtles and cetaceans in the area increases the likelihood of bycatch occurring.The unnecessary death of these animals has a negative impact on the ecosystem, the populations of endangered and protected species, as well as the economy in the long run.
Overall it is clear that bycatch is a significant issue for Ecuador’s fisheries. Thankfully, it is not a neglected issue. Efforts are being made to reduce its impact through improved fishing practices, increased monitoring and enforcement, and the development of sustainable fishing strategies.
How can bycatch be reduced in Ecuador?
Solutions to Ecuador’s bycatch issue can come from collaboration between the government, coastal fishing communities, NGOs and private groups. However, there is a pressing need for bottom-up bycatch solutions that are shaped by the artisanal fishing communities. Through a community-based management approach, local fishing knowledge can help scientists and policymakers create effective strategies to monitor and mitigate bycatch. Additionally, new policies to reduce bycatch are more likely to be accepted.
However, policy change must be supported by fishing gear and technology that helps fishermen avoid bycatch in the first place. The Iluminar El Mar project is testing specialist LED lights as Bycatch Reduction Technologies (BRTs). Scientific trials of green LED lights were carried out in gillnet fisheries in Peru and found that bycatch of turtles and cetaceans were reduced by over 70%. Even more impressive, the target catch of fishermen wasn’t significantly affected by the presence of the LED lights on the fishing gear. Click here to find out more about LED lights and how they can reduce bycatch.
During the U.N. Climate Summit (COP 26) in Glasgow, Ecuador made a historic announcement. Alongside Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama. Ecuador pledged to carry out efforts to create extensive marine conservation efforts through the formation of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor initiative. Covering over 500,000 sq km (200,000 sq miles), the corridor will protect some of the world’s most important migratory routes for sea turtles, whales, sharks and rays. It is hoped the corridor will protect passing animals from foreign fishing fleets, IUU fishing, and ultimately bycatch.
In Conclusion
As Ecuador and its neighbours increase marine conservation efforts, it is vital that fishing communities are not caught between conservation policies and a need to make a living. Fishing communities must continue to have access to marine resources and be included in decision-making processes.
Sustainable fishing practices and profitable fishing practices are not mutually exclusive. The Iluminar El Mar project hopes to prove that LED lights as BTRs can be a viable solution to Ecuador’s bycatch problem.
To find out more about Ecuador’s artisan fisheries and the rich ecosystems they rely on, follow the Iluminar El Mar project’s LinkedIn and Instagram pages.
