In 2017, Ecuador took swift action to seize the vessel and sentence the captain and crew to terms in prison. The government also imposed a fine of approximately $6 million USD. To ensure payment, the government maintained possession of the vessel. The defendants are now arguing that this is illegal.

To ensure that the justice system takes into account the rights of nature, a doctrine in enshrined in Ecuador’s constitution, a local environmental group submitted an amicus brief to the court. We are cautiously optimistic that these arguments will prevail — and that the court will do the right thing. We are following this case closely and will provide updates as they occur.