Colombia intercepted a boat near the Malpelo sanctuary carrying 1,764 pounds of marine animals

Colombian authorities intercepted a fishing vessel carrying approximately 1,764 pounds of suspected illegally caught marine animals near the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, according to the Armada de Colombia.

Three Ecuadorian citizens aboard the vessel were handed over to the Judicial Police as an investigation into suspected illegal fishing began.

The seized marine animals were transferred to Colombia's National Natural Parks authority; authorities have not yet released the species names or their condition.

The Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is a protected marine reserve home to hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, and large schools of fish.

Conservationists warn that marine reserves require constant surveillance as illegal fishing remains an ongoing concern despite protected status.