Scientists at the Charles Darwin Foundation, together with their collaborators, are developing protocols for the prevention, detection, and management of marine invasive species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR).
Dr Inti Keith is a Principal Investigator at the Charles Darwin Foundation. She leads the Marine Invasive Species Programme and the long-term Subtidal Ecological Monitoring Programme, as well as being the science group co-ordinator for the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor initiative (CMAR).
The Galapagos Islands are under threat from marine invasive species due to the connectivity that exists with the increase in tourism, associated marine traffic, and the effect of extreme climatic events such as El Niño. Scientists at the Charles Darwin Foundation, together with their collaborators, are developing protocols for the prevention, detection, and management of marine invasive species in the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR).
53
alien marine animals identified in the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Invasive threats occur when species are transported from one region to another and become established in the new environment. These undesired guests compete for space and can displace and harm the populations of native species.
Marine invasive species can threaten biological diversity and can have significant impacts to coastal communities. They impact both biodiversity and society; affecting ecosystem services such as fisheries and ecotourism.
No place is immune to invasions. Recent research has identified at least 53 alien marine animals in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, a figure that is more than ten times greater than previous estimates.
Despite strong biosecurity measures, invasive species such as rats and feral cats are devastating native plants and animals, with nearly 50% of the Archipelago’s land birds at risk of extinction.
Invasive species can be transported from one place to another through a variety of means. Some of the main causes of introduction include shipping vessels, aquaculture, fishing, recreation and other human activities.
These mechanisms are key to reducing the occurrence of such invasions. In most Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), however, the fundamental means of biosecurity – the systems required to prevent, detect and then respond to new invasions – are not always in place. As a result, the door is still open for new marine invasions in most regions.
Through an exchange of information and knowledge amongst practitioners across the Eastern Pacific, and by creating a network of science and management professionals, we aim to address the critical emerging biosecurity challenges for the conservation and preservation of marine resources in Galapagos that are also shared around all of the Pacific. This system will allow the improvement of the management of the MPAs as it incorporates an early-warning system that will allow us to respond rapidly to emerging threats.
Finally, we will be expanding public engagement and outreach, especially through citizen science, to increase our ability to detect and respond to biosecurity threats before they can impact the marine ecosystem.
In most Marine Protected Areas (...) the fundamental means of biosecurity – the systems required to prevent, detect and then respond to new invasions – are not always in place.
Without funds for scientific research to guide our conservation efforts, attempts to protect the amazing wildlife of Galapagos could fail and result in species becoming extinct.
