Nuevos contextos desde lo jurídico para la protección de la fauna marina de Galápagos.

Abstract

The Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador declares that Nature has rights and that the State must watch over them, restricting activities that lead to the extinction of species or the destruction of ecosystems. It also mentions that our territory is inviolable, therefore, it is not possible to enter its air, land, or maritime space without authorization. The protected area of Galapagos is at risk due to the lack of coherent regulations, and because those who apply them are not acting responsibly. That is, even though, there is a Special Regime in the Enchanted Islands and our country as such, has national legislation and is adhered to International Agreements, to safeguard and punish those who violate the provisions of the law in the care of marine protected areas, the damage to the ecosystem is still being done. It has become evident how fragile the legal system is given that, on several occasions, sharks have been illegally fished in the Galapagos Archipelago; in other words, the controls and processes for proper fishing activity are constantly flouted. That said, measures to counteract illegal fishing must be implemented as a matter of priority and, of course, fully enforced.