China has banned its vessels from fishing off the Galapagos Marine Reserve from September to November, a foreign ministry official said Thursday, after Ecuador expressed concern over a massive fleet in the area.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing that China and Ecuador have been "maintaining friendly communication through bilateral channels" on the matter.

But China has decided on a three-month fishing ban in the high seas west of the marine reserve -- which covers an area of around 133,000 square kilometres (51,000 square miles) -- a move Wang said was "appreciated by Ecuador and other relevant countries".

The Galapagos archipelago, located 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) west of Ecuador, is a fragile ecosystem that harbours the largest number of different animal species on the planet.

In 1979 the natural reserve became UNESCO's first World Heritage Site.

In 1979 the natural reserve became UNESCO's first World Heritage Site
In 1979 the natural reserve became UNESCO's first World Heritage Site AFP / Pablo COZZAGLIO

The islands are best known for their unique flora and fauna, which inspired naturalist Charles Darwin to write his landmark 1859 study on evolution, "On the Origin of Species".

Some species of tortoises, iguanas, birds and fish are found nowhere else.

Ecuador had expressed concern in late July over the presence of around 260 fishing vessels, mostly Chinese, and urged them to keep away from the protected marine area.

Footage of the huge fleet of trawlers has been shared widely online.

Wang said Thursday that China "attaches great importance to the protection of the marine environment and marine resources" and would continue requiring companies engaged in high-sea fishing to abide by laws and regulations.

A Chinese vessel was caught in the reserve in 2007 with 300 tonnes of wildlife, mostly sharks.

China