Captured Poacher's Boat Brings $30,000 to the Galapagos National Park

Back on July 15, 2001, the Sea Shepherd patrol vessel Sirenian working with the Galapagos National Park intercepted and captured the Indios I forty miles inside of the Galapagos National Park Marine Reserve.

The vessel was captured near Darwin's Arch near the island of Darwin in the northern part of the National Park. The vessel was of Costa Rican registry.

The boat has been under arrest ever since. The vessel was found guilty of illegal fishing activities. The Court ordered the confiscation of the vessel under the Special Law of the Galapagos.

On January 8, 2004, a court ordered sale of the vessel brought in a price of $30,000.

This money will be invested in the control and patrolling of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

According to Edwin Naula, the Director of the Galapagos National Park, this sale is a landmark in the history of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. It is a precedent, marking the first time a confiscated vessel has been ordered sold and the proceeds turned over for the purpose of the protection of the National Park Marine Reserve.

The vessel was purchased by Mr. Willian Ugalde Gonzalez of Costa Rica and will be returned to Costa Rica.

The National Park is in possession of four additional fishing vessels that will be sold in the future.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is proud that the intervention of our ship Sirenian has resulted in a $30,000 gain for the Galapagos National Park Marine Reserve.