A solitary catamaran known as “Silky” navigates the waters surrounding the isolated Malpelo Island, a sanctuary that, while protected, poses significant dangers to endangered marine species in the Colombian Pacific. The vessel’s crew, composed of dedicated environmentalists, serves as a formidable presence against boats that engage in illegal shark fishing within the reserve, located approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the Colombian mainland, which is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Operating without weapons or external support, these activists actively deter intruding vessels, threaten to alert authorities, and even dive beneath the surface to free sharks ensnared in nets or lines. Since 2018, this passionate team has claimed to be making a significant impact in the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, a renowned destination for divers and the largest no-fishing area in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. The project’s success is evident in the absence of illegal fishers returning to the area, as noted by Colombian diver Erika Lopez, who established the foundation Biodiversity Conservation Colombia with the support of an Australian philanthropist. This initiative emerged in response to what activists perceive as insufficient official measures for shark protection, with the navy only apprehending illegal fishers during incidental encounters while conducting routine patrols aimed at combating drug trafficking and other territorial violations.
As Colombia prepares to host the UN COP16 biodiversity conference next Monday, its extensive Pacific coastline, which serves as a crucial migratory pathway for various shark species, including hammerhead and whale sharks, is under scrutiny, particularly given the endangered status of many of these species. However, the rich marine resources of the sanctuary draw fishing vessels from distant locations, including neighboring Ecuador, as well as from Panama, Costa Rica, and even China, where shark fin is considered a delicacy. Lopez’s foundation reports that since 2018, the crew of the Silky, named after a type of shark, has successfully rescued 508 live animals, deterred 302 boats, and confiscated over 70,000 meters of fishing line. Since December of last year, the foundation has reported a complete absence of fishing boats in the vicinity of Malpelo Island, which is part of a reserve exceeding 850,000 hectares and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dario Ortiz, a 53-year-old former artisanal fisherman who has transitioned into an environmentalist, expressed that “Silky’s ” primary mission is to remove equipment from the waters and liberate trapped species. However, he emphasized that this endeavor requires constant vigilance. Lopez, aged 51, highlighted the necessity of maintaining the boat’s operations continuously throughout the year, as he envisions expanding the initiative into a fleet of vessels dedicated to conservation and scientific research in the Pacific.
