On the 26th August 2010, the Government of Ecuador established an official resolution to protect Mantas and Mobulas along its coast.
Mantas are now legally protected in Ecuador.
Migramar member Andres Baquero (Director of Equilibrio Azul) said,
“This is a huge step in terms of marine conservation for Ecuador, especially for elasmobranchs.
With this resolution our Government has shown a big interest in protecting delicate species and hopefully more will follow. In terms of the coast of Ecuador, this is one of the most important events of the decade.
We wanted to share it with you, maybe some other countries may replicate this initiative of Ecuador´s Government in the future.”
Mantas can be found in large numbers along the coast of Ecuador at certain times of the year, especially at Isla de la Plata, where they have formed the basis of a dive tourism industry.
Official Resolution
The Accord consists of seven Articles, summarised as follows:
Article 1. Forbids fishing of: Manta birostris, Mobula japonica, Mobula thurstoni, Mobula munkiana and Mobula tarapacana.
Article 2. In the case of incidental fishing of any of these species, they are to be returned to their natural habitat.
Article 3. Keeping or storage of the mentioned species, alive or dead, whole or in parts, is likewise forbidden and are not to be the subject of human consumption, commercialization or transport.
Article 4. The relevant authorities will apply the necessary measures to make this Accord effective.
Article 5. Non compliance with this Accord will result in legal action (administrative and/or penal) according with existing Fishing Laws.
Article 6. Relevant communication and socialization material will be produced by to
Download: Acuerdo 093 – Veda Mantarrayas (in Spanish).
Visit the Subsecretary of Fishing Resources of the Government of Ecuador’s website.
