Strengthening Marine Protection
The nutrient-rich waters of the Galápagos Marine Reserve are an oasis for one of the world’s richest concentrations of ocean biodiversity. Created in 1998 by the Ecuadorian government, the Marine Protected Area (MPA) is home to nearly 3,000 species of marine wildlife, including sharks, whales, penguins, seals and sealions, seabirds, and marine iguanas. Alongside the Galápagos National Park Directorate, Galápagos Conservancy is leading the fight to safeguard this magical place from invasive species and illegal fishing.
Why it Matters
- In recent years industrial fishing fleets descended upon the edge of the Galápagos Marine Reserve, or even encroached upon these sacred waters. 300 vessels pillaged thousands of tons of squid, fish, and even sharks or other endangered species. Together with our partners we patrol and safeguard the Galápagos Marine Reserve.
- We conduct research to inform biodiversity conservation and to understand the complex interconnected ecosystem of Galápagos land and water. We study species like the Green Sea Turtle and Galápagos Penguin to uncover threats to their habitat, reproduction, and food sources, so we can take action for preservation.
- Galápagos Conservancy is on the leading-edge, combatting climate change and incursions by invasive species. We monitor and manage invasive, non-native aquatic species such as Sea Grapes algae (Caulerpa racemose). We study and seek mitigations for climate change conditions such as El Niño, ocean temperature rise, and coral bleaching.
- Nature and people can coexist and share in the riches the Galápagos seas have to offer. To this end, we study the delicate interplay between humans, habitat, and wildlife. We relentlessly defend Galápagos seas and care for the plants and animals that have every right to call Galápagos home.
Project Overview
Impact
We strive to protect the Galápagos Marine Reserve for wildlife and people. We pursue advanced scientific research, and we grow our local partnerships so together we may understand the rich and beautiful world of the Galápagos seas. We aim to save species from extinction and conserve healthy habitats for abundant life to thrive.
Key Successes
Galápagos Conservancy provides a safe haven for marine species whose habitat is under threat. Patrolling the marine reserve to protect wildlife from overfishing is critical to the long-term health of the Galápagos ocean ecosystem and food chain. This is why the Galápagos Conservancy is a major funder of the Galápagos National Park Directorate’s work to protect the Marine Reserve from industrial fishing.
Next Steps
With so many threats to the Galápagos Marine Reserve, it is up to us and our partners to remain vigilant. We will continue to pursue aggressive measures to counter poaching and industrial fishing. We will conduct the cutting-edge scientific research, and devise innovative strategies to protect the Galápagos Marine Reserve.
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Our generous community of supporters is the cornerstone of our efforts to preserve this ecological wonder of the world.
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