Chinese Fleet Hovers Off Peru: Ecuador & Galápagos in Peril

A fleet of nearly 400 Chinese fishing vessels has been identified operating off Peru's southern coast, with concerns growing as it moves north toward Ecuador's Galápagos Islands. Argentine researcher Milko Schvartzman reported that the fleet, accompanied by support ships, is allegedly involved in unauthorized fishing and significant ocean pollution, discharging plastic waste and fuel. These vessels operate near exclusive economic zones and have been accused of switching off tracking systems to conceal their activities.

Artisanal fishermen in Peru and Chile have reported suspicious behavior from the Chinese fleet, including deactivated tracking systems. This has led to economic losses for local fishing communities, with Peru's National Society of Artisanal Fisheries estimating losses at nearly $300 million. The Chinese fleet's squid catch in the South Pacific in 2022 surpassed that of Peruvian vessels for the first time. Peru has since tightened port inspections and tracking requirements.

However, the fleet is increasingly seeking logistical support from countries with more flexible regulations, such as Chile. Chile has seen a dramatic increase in port calls by Chinese vessels since 2024. While Chilean authorities conduct surveillance, concerns remain that enforcement capacity is limited given the sheer number of vessels. Security consultants highlight this as a regional challenge involving multiple South Pacific nations.