ECUADOR BANS EXPORT OF SHARK FINS

UNCLAS QUITO 002923 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO USAID E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID EC ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV SUBJECT: ECUADOR BANS EXPORT OF SHARK FINS ¶1. Summary. President Gutierrez has issued a decree banning the export of shark fins. The ban applies to all shark fins, whether they are intentionally harvested or are the result of bi-catch. Despite having been consulted prior to the decree's issuance, a local fishing group is asking President Gutierrez to revoke it. End Summary. ¶2. President Gutierrez signed a Presidential decree on October 7, 2004 banning the export or internal sale of shark fins taken in Ecuadorian territorial waters. The ban covers all shark fins, whether they were intentionally harvested or are the result of bi-catch. Those caught harvesting shark fins will have their fishing licenses suspended until a judicial authority issues an appropriate sanction. The decree also bans the importation of equipment used to harvest shark fins and prohibits discarding sharks on the high seas. ¶3. The decree was issued only after the proposed ban was presented to and discussed by all parties which it would affect, including the Consejo Pesquero (Fishing Council),a group that represents fishing interests in the islands. The Consejo approved of the ban, but has since withdrawn its support because of protests from some of its members. The Consejo is now calling on the President to revoke the decree. Environmental groups praise the ban. ¶4. The decree could have a positive impact on conservation efforts in the Galapagos. We have congratulated GOE officials on the decree and will urge that they keep it in place. Political support for the fishermen is limited to coastal Manabi and Guayas provinces. KENNEY