The Galapagos Marine Reserve covers an area of 198,000 km² following the addition of the new Hermandad Marine Reserve in 2022, and is home to a host of iconic marine species, including scalloped hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sea lions and waved albatrosses. But these creatures are threatened by huge industrial fishing fleets once they leave the safety of the Reserve, as well as destructive fishing methods that encroach on the protected areas themselves. We are working with our partners and local authorities to ensure that ocean protection in Galapagos is data-driven and effectively enforced, prioritising high-risk areas such as shark nursery sites and migratory routes. We are also helping to build the evidence required for expanded ocean protection, including on the High Seas.
The Galapagos Islands are located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. This region is also subject to intense fishing activity by international industrial fleets, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is rife, posing a major threat to both wildlife and the livelihoods of local artisanal fishers. While the expanded Galapagos Marine Reserve provides a refuge for wildlife, damaging fishing practices such as long-lining and drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs), both illegal within the Reserve, are nevertheless having an impact.
dFADs are floating devices used by tuna fleets to attract fish which can then be caught more easily, but they also attract other ‘non-target’ species such as sharks and turtles. dFADs released in international waters are entering the Galapagos Marine Reserve in worrying numbers, entangling and killing wildlife, as well as contributing to coastal pollution.
Long-lining is a fishing technique that uses lines with baited hooks which can stretch over vast distances of up to 100 kilometres, and is notorious for high levels of ‘bycatch’, ensnaring animals such as sharks and albatrosses. Wildlife is particularly at risk in the High Seas, such as in the area to the south east of the Galapagos Archipelago, though illegal long-lining is also a persistent problem within the Marine Reserve itself.
A lack of joined-up ocean protection is leaving many of the Archipelago’s most endangered marine species exposed to these threats, and there is an urgent need for better data to inform both policymakers and conservation managers.
We are supporting research into the effectiveness of existing marine protected areas, establishing baseline measurements and tracking the movements of migratory species both inside and outside of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. This allows us to track the impact of ocean protection measures over time, and to build a stronger case for establishing new marine protected areas, including on the High Seas. From the majestic waved albatross to the less celebrated Galapagos slipper lobster, we are building up a detailed picture of the incredible marine biodiversity around Galapagos.
We are also supporting local authorities to collect more data on drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) entering the Galapagos Marine Reserve, helping to build the case for stronger regulations and greater transparency from the tuna industry. Underpinning all of our work on ocean protection and fisheries is a commitment to supporting Ecuadorian early career ocean professionals, strengthening local capacity and building the foundations for effective long-term protection.
Our work on fisheries and ocean protection aims to:
With your support, we can restock the seas around Galapagos with abundant and healthy marine life.
