3.1 In the past ten years, the waters of the Galapagos
Islands have been polluted by the groundings of three ships: the Galapagos
Explorer, the Don Felipe and the Jessica.
On 16 January 2001, the tanker Jessica was carrying fuel
when it ran aground on the shores of San Cristóbal Island,
releasing a mixture of diesel fuel and IFO which spread across a considerable
part of the marine reserve. Fortunately the weather conditions were
favourable and rapid intervention by the navy, the SPNG and local
people, backed by advice from several international organizations
ensured that the impact was less than expected.
3.2 During normal operations and when accidents
such as the one just described occur, ships discharge a variety of
marine pollutants which directly affect marine biodiversity and the
large number of protected species that live on land but rely on the
sea for food. These substances are usually oils, harmful liquids,
sewage water, garbage of all kinds, paints, foreign organisms and
harmful solids.
3.3 On average, 2 or 3 international ships per
year pass outside the Galapagos marine reserve (at 40 nautical miles)
carrying pollutants and radioactive waste. Likewise, general international
cargo traffic passes to the north, at approximately 20 nautical miles
from Isabela Island, always keeping its distance from the marine reserve,
before heading for Panama. If one of these international vessels containing
pollutants or radioactive waste were involved in an accident at a
geographical location that allowed its cargo to be carried by the
marine currents towards the coasts of the Archipelago, particularly
to a critical habitat containing sensitive species, the result would
be irreparable and major damage.
3.4 The Galapagos Archipelago and its surrounding
waters have been declared a national and World Heritage site, recognized
worldwide for its scientific and cultural importance.
3.5 The designation of the Galapagos Archipelago
as a PSSA will enhance maritime safety, safety of navigation and protection
of the marine environment in the area concerned.