Ecuador has remarkable marine and freshwater diversity. It contains 800 species of freshwater fish, and 450 species of saltwater fish. One of the most important species of fish to indigenous peoples living in the rainforest is the well-known piranha. These are harvested extensively by fishers from shore and by canoe. Many species of fish in Ecuador have received undue attention as a result of their infrequent attacks on humans. One of the most famous freshwater fish species is called the Candiru. This tiny river dweller, a type of catfish, is known to swim up the human urethra and become lodged there by erecting sharp spines.

Fisheries are managed by the Instituto Nacional de Pesca (INP). It works in conjunction with the Instituto Oceanografico de la Armada (IOA), as well as numerous national universities, Galapagos National Park, and the Association of Shrimp Farmers and Harvesters. The INP maintains links with international organizations such as the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and the CPPS: Comision Permanente del Pacifico Sur.

The INP is focused largely on the saltwater species harvested by people on the coast. Much of the harvest in the marine environment is for local use but a proportion of it is manufactured into fish-based food pellets which are used in the aquaculture industry in North America and Europe.

Freshwater fisheries management is largely a product of indigenous knowledge. Because so many of Ecuador’s inland waterways are remote and inaccessible, the rivers and swamps are left largely untouched by commercial fishermen. However, with the pollution of many waterways in the Oriente from the oil industry, freshwater fisheries management may become more formalized as indigenous groups fight to save their territory.

Related Links

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• Texas Tech University: Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management