Galeodan

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
San Cristobal, Galapagos

Email:

Info@Galeodan.com

Tel:

+593 5 252 1613 

Cell:

+593 9 431 1600 

+593 9 588-8915 

Skype:

+1 (646) 257-5948 

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What is “Vivencial Fishing”?

If you want to fish in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, there is only one way to do it legally and that is on a properly licensed boat with an operator licensed, by the Galapagos National Park (GNP), to practice “Artisanal Vivencial Fishing” (Vivencial Fishing for short). In Spanish:  “Pesca Artesanal Vivencial” (PAV).

“Artisanal”: Traditional / Craft
“Vivencial”: Experiential

Artisanal Vivencial Fishing was conceived for the purpose of providing Galapagos fisherman with an ecologically sustainable alternative to traditional commercial fishing. The more fishermen take up Artisanal Vivencial Fishing, the fewer fish are taken from the ocean.

The ecological benefits of “Sportfishing” are widely recognized, particularly as promoted by bodies such as the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).  However, simply opening the Marine Reserve to “Sportfishing” would result in the Galapagos-based operators being being quickly pushed aside by better financed and better connected  offshore operations. In no time, Sportfishing would be like Galapagos tourism in general, from which only a minimal portion (around 5%) of the revenue generated by the Islands remains in the Islands. Vivencial Fishing licences are restricted to those fishermen that are already licensed to fish for a living in the Reserve.

This is how “Pesca Artesanal Vivencial” is described in the new Regulations (February 23, 2011):

La Pesca Artesanal Vivencial es aquella que se caracteriza por ser una actividad alternativa, a través de la cual el pescador artesanal de Galápagos, utiliza su infraestructura de trabajo(artes y embarcaciones) permitida en la RMG, para ofrecer a los visitantes la oportunidad de que conozcan y se involucren en su cultura, y modus Vivendi.

Esta actividad tiene un limitado nivel de extracción y captura de especies bio- acuáticas, las mismas que no pueden ser comercializadas.

La Pesca Artesanal Vivencial puede ser ejercida únicamente por los pescadores artesanales de Galápagos que cumplan con los requisitos y se sujeten a los procedimientos establecidos por la DPNG mediante resolución y en las zonas autorizadas de acuerdo a la zonificación vigente.

In English:

Artisanal Vivencial Fishing is an alternative activity in which Galapagos fishermen, using the fundamental skills of their trade, are permitted to offer visitors an opportunity to get involved and learn about their way of life.

This activity features a limited level of capture and extraction of bio-aquatic species. The catch cannot be sold.

Artisanal Vivencial Fishing is only allowed for local Galapagos fishermen, who meet the requirements of and are subject to the regulations of the Galapagos National Park. It is limited to authorized areas consistent with existing zoning.

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To offer Vivencial Fishing, you need a qualifying boat, with a licence (Permiso de Pesca), issued by the Galapagos National Park. That boat must be owned by a holder of the Park’s Artesanal Vivencial Fishing Licence (PARMA).

In turn, the Sailing Permit (Permiso de Trafico) issued by the Port Authority (Capitania) will not record Vivencial Fishing as a permitted activity unless the Park-issued documents are in order.

Most Vivencial Fishing operations here consist of partnerships whereby one entity finances the boat, another owns the licence and is the official “owner”, with sometimes even a third party that operates the boat.

Maria Elena Ricaurte de Keegan, principal of Galeodan, from a long established fishing family, is the holder of the Artesanal Vivencial Fishing licence issued by the GNP. Maria Elena and Sean, live in San Cristobal, own Leodan and operate Galeodan.

Galeodan is 100% owner-operated and there are no outside partners involved. Our captain and crew are also island residents. Per the letter and spirit of the Artisanal Vivencial Fishing initiative and regulations, the maximum possible benefit stays here, in the Galapagos.

View the Vivencial Fishing Licences issued by the GNP and Capitania..