Today, in San Cristobal, Ecuador, after three days of trial, Judge Alexandra Arroyo, decided to convict the crew of the Chinese vessel Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999, from one to four years in prison, for possession and transport of protected species in the Galapagos National Park.
Evidence found inside the vessel included protected species of sharks. The resolution included the payment of US$5.9 million to repair damage caused in the park, and the criminal confiscation of the vessel.
"This ruling is in line with the policy of zero tolerance for the disrespect of our sovereignty and our most elementary principles as a nation," commented Ecuadorian Minister of the Environment, Tarsicio Granizo. "This ruling marks a precedent in environmental legal matters, at the country level and in the region."