Adorable. Playful. Intelligent. Endangered. Can you help us save the Galapagos sea lion from extinction?
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.
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.
With your support, we can:
Plastic waste originating from mainland South America and offshore fishing fleets is accumulating on coastlines across Galapagos. We 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 will work 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. With your support we can help kids experience their incredible islands, connect with nature and get involved in conservation.
