ALBAWABA - The Galapagos Marine Reserve, a place for diverse marine life and a source of inspiration for naturalists like Charles Darwin, is now sadly facing threats from fishing boats that are nearing its borders.
While the reserve offers protection to species like hammerhead sharks and sea lions, the open water beyond its boundaries remains unprotected, leaving marine life vulnerable to exploitation.
Scientist Stuart Banks emphasizes the importance of making a marine protected area on the high seas to protect the migratory routes of marine species.
(Photo by Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP)
Greenpeace advocates for the confirmation of the High Seas Treaty by at least 60 countries to make this an important conservation measure.
Recently, a scientific expedition aboard Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise research vessel set out to explore the challenges confronting the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Biologists conducted water sampling and used underwater video monitoring to examine the area and unravel the interconnections among many marine species populations.
(Photo by Ernesto BENAVIDES / AFP)
The Islands, famous for their unique marine life, serve as an important migratory stop for various species. Eduardo Espinoza, a marine reserve worker, stresses the need to shield these sharks from overfishing and illicit activities elsewhere in the region.
Both tourists and locals understand the significance of preserving the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Protecting this precious ecosystem not only helps preserve the marine species and their habitats, but it also helps support the livelihoods based on tourism and maintains the cultural heritage of the Islands.
