Ecuador: The Galápagos Life Fund selects CLS

Ecuador: The Galápagos Life Fund selects CLS to track a fleet of more than 2,000 artisanal fishing boats by satellite — a world first

GLF, Galápagos, Ecuador, April 13, 2026 — The Galápagos Life Fund (GLF) is reaching a major milestone in the sustainable protection of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Thanks to its financial support, Ecuador becomes the first South American country to equip a significant portion of its artisanal fishing fleet.

A total of 2,000 NEMO satellite beacons will be deployed by CLS and its partners, making the Ecuadorian artisanal fleet the largest ever connected by satellite. This initiative significantly strengthens the protection of marine biodiversity, in a context where nearly one in five fish is still caught illegally worldwide. Developed by CLS, a subsidiary of CNES and CNP, these beacons illustrate the key role of satellite technologies in the sustainable management of marine resources.

A technological response to the challenges of sustainable fishing around the Galápagos Marine Reserve

These NEMO beacons will allow authorities to monitor, in near real time, the activity of artisanal fishing vessels operating around the “Hermandad” marine reserve, located near the Galápagos. Until now, surveillance of fishing activity in this area remained limited.

Longline vessels, known as “nodrizas,” transport thousands of small boats to the area, which then fish around the Galápagos in an environment subject to significant conservation challenges. Unlike their mother vessels, these artisanal units were not previously tracked by satellite (VMS – Vessel Monitoring System).

In accordance with current regulations, these 2,000 beacons will provide precise visibility of fishing activities around this area, which hosts major biodiversity. Thanks to this data, it will be possible to establish a framework for sustainable fisheries management while ensuring the continuity of an essential economic activity for local communities.

This initiative builds on the recognized expertise of CLS and its fishing vessel monitoring solutions, with more than 25,000 beacons and vessels equipped worldwide, deployment in 90 countries, and over 40 years of experience.

A true international cooperation for responsible management

This project benefits from the support of the Galápagos Life Fund, which finances the equipment and associated services, and supports the Ecuadorian government in its marine conservation strategy.

A new era for ocean governance and protection

The NEMO beacons, hybrid satellite/GSM devices, have been specially developed for traditional fisheries. They address the needs of artisanal fishing: near real-time tracking, reliable data, traceability, and emergency assistance.

The data will be integrated into the THEMIS platform, funded by WildAid, which is capable of processing massive streams of satellite data. This platform will enable both predictive and operational management, and more than 60 fisheries monitoring centers have already been deployed by CLS worldwide.

Additional information

GLF
The Galápagos Life Fund is a fund dedicated to the preservation and sustainable development of the Galápagos Islands.

CLS
CLS is an international company specialized in Earth observation and tracking solutions.

CNES
CNES is the French public agency responsible for space policy.

CNP
CNP is a private investment company founded by Albert Frère.

Source: GLF