Blog: Plastic Pollution Free Galapagos

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing marine wildlife around the world. Whilst the Galapagos Archipelago remains one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world, sadly it is not exempt from the issue. GCT is working on an ambitious, long-term programme that will combine ground-breaking scientific research with coordinated education and outreach in order to make Galapagos plastic pollution free once again. Read our blogs and project updates here.

Plastic found in Galapagos seawater, beaches and animals

A new study – by the University of Exeter, Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) and the Galapagos Science Center – found plastic in all marine habitats on the island of San Cristobal including in the sea water, in sediments, on beaches and inside marine animals.

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Garbology: new perspectives on waste

by Professor John Schofield On a remote beach on San Cristobal, there is a plastic bottle. Inside the bottle, there is a toothbrush. How did it get there? What is its story?

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Supporting the UNDP’s ‘Save Galapagos Islands’ campaign

The loss of tourism due to the global pandemic has hit Galapagos hard. We are supporting initiatives to reactivate the local economy, such as a ’Cash for Work’ scheme.

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ReCiBa

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing marine wildlife worldwide – and global problems need global solutions. Marine plastic litter is everywhere, but in many countries, there is little-to-no information available about its sources, distribution, and impacts. ReCiBa is helping us to understand the potential of storytelling and the power of objects in addressing the global challenge of marine plastic pollution.

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Investigating plastic pollution threats to marine iguanas

Marine iguanas are an iconic, endemic species in Galapagos, known for their incredible diving ability to feed on marine algae. The species are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; however 10 of 11 subspecies are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered. It is estimated that the San Cristobal marine iguana colony stands at just 400 individuals.

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Building a circular economy to make Galapagos plastic pollution free

We’re so pleased to announce today that the alliance behind the Plastic Pollution Free Galapagos programme (PPFG) has been successful in seeking £3.5 million in funding from the UK Government Global Challenges Research Fund.

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International, industrial fishing fleets and expansion of Ecuador’s protected areas – a summary

Since being reported in the news in July 2020, the international, industrial fishing fleet on the edge of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) has received global attention. Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) is following the situation closely as this fishing fleet has the possibility to devastate the GMR’s unique marine biodiversity.

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Invasive Marine Species in Galapagos Islands

Marine invasive species are a threat to biodiversity, human health, and economic activity. The Marine Debris project monitors these organisms and the plastic on which they arrive.

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Playas Sin Plasticos

Galapagos is not exempt from the issue of plastic pollution, especially on the island of San Cristobal. Sara Medor explains how 'Playas Sin Plasticos' helps us to better understand the rate at which plastic accumulates at one of the desolate beaches on San Cristobal.

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