Ecuador Unveils Shark 'Safe Zone' Nearly the Size of Belgium

Ecuador has unveiled a safe zone for sharks off the Galapagos archipelago in a mega-biodiverse area of one of the largest marine reserves in the world.

“History will know to judge those who did nothing to curb social injustices and environmental injustices,” said President Rafael Correa on Monday. “But the world can count on the commitment of Ecuador and its people to overcome all kinds of injustice and achieve sustainable development in harmony with its natural surroundings.”

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The state worked with several environmentalist non-profits to double the size of conservation areas and intensify efforts in the marine reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although only small local fishing cooperatives now have access to the area, global warming and industrial and illegal hunters have threatened the shark population and their ecosystem.

The new "no-take" zone – nearly the size of Belgium – will prohibit all fishing. National Geographic, which inspired the move with its upcoming documentary on the Galapagos sharks, will pay compensation to the local fishermen.

“We hope this initiative will help draw global attention to the pressure on our oceans and inspire tougher international action on industrial fishing, shark fin hunting and global warming,” said Environment Minister Daniel Ortega Pacheco.

A comprehensive 2013 study estimated that 100 million sharks are killed illegally every year, significantly higher than reproduction rates.

The Galapagos are heavily monitored to prevent potentially damaging objects and species from entering. Wasteful tourism is also blocked – a November law has already rejected 13 applications for luxury hotels.