The Illescas National Reserve in Peru is facing significant threats from illegal fishing, particularly through the use of chinchorro nets, which have been banned since 2009. Park rangers struggle to enforce regulations due to the reserve's designation as a terrestrial area, limiting their jurisdiction over marine activities. Despite joint patrols with environmental police, illegal fishing persists, jeopardizing the rich biodiversity of the region, including vulnerable species like the South American sea lion and Humboldt penguins. Experts argue that the reserve should have been designated as a marine-coastal protected area to better protect its unique ecosystems. Conservationists are advocating for stronger measures to address illegal fishing and promote sustainable practices among local fishers, as the health of the marine environment continues to decline.