Support our Big Give Green Match Fund campaign to protect Galapagos sea lions from deadly plastic pollution and your donation will be doubled, up to an amazing £10,000!
Communications Manager
Sea lions are among the most charismatic creatures in Galapagos, charming visitors with their playful nature. Sadly, they’re also at high risk of death and injury from fishing nets and other plastic waste. We need your help to protect these innocent animals and create a future free from pollution.
With your help, we have a unique chance to raise an extra £10,000 for Galapagos from the Big Give Green Match Fund. For every £1 you donate, they will also give £1, up to an incredible £10,000 – donate now via the Big Give website.
Galapagos sea lions suffer more reported injuries from lost and discarded fishing gear than any other species in the Archipelago, entangled by nets and plastic cords. Sea lions have also been found entangled in plastic bags. Galapagos sea lions are considered a ‘sentinel species’ – an animal that gives us an early warning about impending environmental catastrophe – and the future for Galapagos looks bleak if we don’t tackle plastic pollution urgently.
We’re taking action to protect wildlife both at sea and on land, from working with the local community on plastic bag alternatives and environmental education, to supporting coastal clean-ups in hard-to-reach locations. We are partnering with organisations across the Pacific to tackle the root causes of coastal plastic pollution, including harmful fishing practices such as the release of deadly fish aggregating devices (FADs) on the edge of the Galapagos Marine Reserve by industrial tuna fleets.
Galapagos sea lions suffer more reported injuries from lost and discarded fishing gear than any other species in the Archipelago, entangled by nets and plastic cords.
Plastic waste originating from mainland South America and offshore fishing fleets is accumulating on coastlines across Galapagos. Your donation will help local authorities to identify and clean up locations where wildlife is most at risk, using new technologies such as drones.
Drifting FADs released by tuna fishing vessels are a deadly threat, entangling defenceless marine species in their plastic netting. We will work with partners to push for solutions that stop FADs from entering the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Despite laws banning certain types of single-use plastic, waste management systems in Galapagos are overwhelmed with bags, bottles and other avoidable plastic waste. We are working with the community to develop sustainable alternatives and a more circular economy.
Most young people in Galapagos can’t afford to visit tourist sites and grow up disconnected from their natural surroundings. Many can’t even swim. Your support can help kids experience their incredible islands, connect with nature and get involved in conservation.
Big Give brings together philanthropists, foundations and businesses with charities and their supporters, matching what the public gives and doubling the total donation that the charity receives. They have chosen to support GCT by promising to match donations up to a maximum of £10,000. Together we could raise £20,000, money that will make a real difference to the wildlife of Galapagos.
We urgently need to remove plastic pollution from the worst affected beaches and coastlines, while developing long-term solutions that stem the flow of deadly plastic waste.
