July 17 will be a date to be remembered in Galapagos science for, by chance or Galapagos spirit, Antje Steinfurth and Noemi d'Ozouville, two female PhD students, will simultaneously defend their doctoral thesis, in Germany and France respectively, concerning Galapagos ecosystems. They have both dedicated more than four arduous years to their research, spending much time in the field and, at the same time, developing close contacts with the local community and its institutions.

It is only through this unique relationship between scientific endeavor, which provides fundamental data, and sharing it, that essential management questions can be solved. For, if pure science is considered the unbiased search for truth then there is a vital need for it in Galapagos where often truth is not to be found. And within that truth lies the key to positive action.

Antje's study of the Galapagos penguins identified shifts in breeding centres for these rare and remarkable tropical flightless birds, giving excellent new information for management of this vulnerable species. At the same time cats were discovered preying on penguins at Caleta Iguana which gave the Park Service vital information for the control of these predators. Thus a purely scientific study becomes a useful tool for management.

Noemi's study of the functioning of the water cycle on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands has not only brought to light (for the first time) the nature of the watersheds and their relationship to the geologic structure of the islands, but also details of the water balance, and the true structure of the basal aquifers and perhaps the presence of perched aquifers. This is vital information for management of this precious resource which to date has had no management at all. This has consequences for the protection of Park land, where the watersheds are principally found, and the grave risks faced by development and water contamination in aquifers.

To have available quick, young, and dedicated scientific minds is of great advantage to Galapagos and enriches our knowledge. To fund these kinds of studies is not within the capability of local institutions and thus is "free" information leading to better management. It is worth considering making more use of high level education to provide insight into many questions that affect the islands and perhaps funds should be sought to ensure that this level of information is available through PhD's and passed on the those who are faced with often complex management decisions. Agile minds are the source of answers.

Godfrey Merlen
Puerto Ayora
Santa Cruz
Galápagos

Source: Galapagos Conservation Trust Press Release
13th July, 2007

Is that £180 bowl of shark fin soup really worth its eco-cost?

Did you know that this Saturday, July 14th, is official Shark Awareness Day? Much as we love to hate this fearsome predator of the seas, the shark has a key role to play, keeping marine ecosystems in balance. Worldwide, over 100 million sharks are killed each year and the main attraction for most hunters is their fins, which fetch a good price. It's common for sharks to be captured, stripped of their fins, then thrown back into the sea to drown. This barbaric practice is widespread and disturbing, particularly when it happens in an unspoiled paradise such as the Galapagos Islands.

These astonishing islands inspired Darwin to write his great work on evolution and today this unique archipelago is home to 30 species of shark. It's an outstanding tourist attraction, with its diverse and rare reptiles including the famed giant tortoises; its stunning variety of bird life, from the waved albatross to the blue footed booby; and the amazing range of marine creatures thronging the seas in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Straddling the Equator some 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador, this is one of the largest protected ocean areas on the planet, including some 130,000 square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. Tourists flock to see shoals of rare fish, turtles and hammerhead shark in this idyllic habitat.

The Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) is calling for all UK restaurants serving shark fin soup to think long and hard about the environmental consequences of their menu choice. The fins are sold at premium rates, which encourage poaching within the protected waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, illegal trading and even money laundering from the proceeds of the drug trade in nearby countries such as Colombia. The economics are depressing, the cruelty sickening.

Here in the UK we have a well-deserved image as a nation of animal lovers. Our chefs should set an example for the rest of Europe and refuse to buy or sell shark fin. If a Europe-wide ban can be introduced, then world attitudes would have to alter.

See a shark in a new light: this awesome marine predator deserves our support.

FACTS ABOUT SHARK FINNING

• 100 million sharks are killed annually worldwide
• 200 sharks are killed every minute
• Many millions die a slow death, robbed of their fins
• Sharks reproduce late in life and have few offspring
• 10,000 tonnes of shark fins are traded around the world
• Shark finning is associated with crime and corruption
• In Galapagos, shark killing disturbs a very fragile ecosystem

Notes for Editors:

Galapagos General Information

In 1978 the Galapagos were designated as the first World Heritage site, and when the Galapagos Marine Reserve was established in 1998, that too was designated a World Heritage Site. They are a Biosphere Reserve, a Whale Sanctuary, a RAMSAR site and they have recently been designated as one of only two Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) by the International Maritime Authority. In Fernandina they possess the largest 'near pristine' island in the world.

Today the islands boast the highest standard of living of any province in Ecuador but, with a rapidly growing population, conflicts have inevitably arisen between the population needs and the fragile Galapagos ecosystem. The pressures on the archipelago's natural resources threaten their biodiversity and ecological integrity, as well as the sustainability of the natural resources upon which the livelihoods of the islanders depend. As the population grows, these pressures are likely to increase rather than decrease. More than ever there is a need for all involved to work together to influence decision makers, in order to preserve these unique and beautiful islands for all their inhabitants and for the world.

GCT is the only dedicated UK Galapagos support charity. Established in 1995, GCT generates income for numerous projects to protect the unique biodiversity of the islands and to meet the challenges of keeping the islands' human population in balance with its native wildlife. GCT also provides crucial support to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island.

For more information visit Shark campaign.

Source: Charles Darwin Foundation
11 April, 2007

The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) today indicated its very strong support for yesterday's declaration by Ecuador's President Rafael Correa that Galapagos is at risk and is a national conservation priority. The President's declaration recognises the need for urgent and radical change in the direction of development in Galapagos.

Galapagos is experiencing rapid economic growth, increasing institutional complexity and frailty, and consequent impacts on biodiversity through invasive species, pollution and over-harvest. Tourism visitation has grown in Galapagos from 40,000 in 1991 to over 120,000 in 2006; over this period the tourism economy has grown at a yearly rate of 14%. This rapid economic growth has been coupled with a similar rise in immigration, outstripping the capacity of management authorities of Galapagos, including the National Institute of Galapagos, the Galapagos National Park, the Galapagos Inspection and Quarantine System and the Municipalities.

According to Dr. Graham Watkins, CDF Executive Director, "The consequences of this growth include an increase in invasive species, increased risk of pollution and finally the likelihood of greater pressures on high value marine resources."

The resulting biodiversity threats have been well documented. There are now 748 species of introduced plants in Galapagos compared to the 500 species of native plants. Sixty percent of the 180 endemic plant species are considered threatened according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species criteria. There are now at least 490 species of insects and 53 species of other invertebrates introduced to Galapagos; 55 of which have the potential to cause severe impacts on native biodiversity. Marine resources including lobster, sea cucumber and grouper have declined precipitously over the last 15 years.

As indicated very clearly by the President's declaration, the solutions focus on appropriate implementation of the 1998 Special Law for Galapagos including the needs to: strengthen Galapagos management authorities; ensure development of sustainable businesses, especially tourism; implement educational reform; and continue and strengthen the work of the Galapagos National Park Service and the CDF in the management of invasive and endangered species.

This extraordinary archipelago is remarkably fragile and highly susceptible to the expanding unsustainable cycle of economic and population growth and associated political, social and cultural change. The actions taken by President Correa and his cabinet reflect concerns that have been expressed for many years about the future of Galapagos.

Added Dr. Watkins, "The CDF will continue to support the Government of Ecuador in its efforts to create a truly sustainable Galapagos."

Source: Galapagos Conservancy

On Tuesday, 10 July, 2007, the director of the Galapagos National Park began the first in a series of stringent enforcement efforts by suspending dive trips operated by tour companies not in possession of the appropriate permits. The Galapagos National Park is enforcing current legislation which requires that tour operators have a specific diving permit to run dive charters inside the Galapagos Marine Reserve and Park. Previously many operators have carried out dive tourism with only a land tour permit.

This decision will affect only those yachts which do not have the appropriate permits and is effective immediately. It is anticipated that by the middle of 2008, several activities in the GMR - including diving - will have their regulatory language and procedures established. Until such time the GNP is required by law to control and sanction boats that do not follow regulations. Tour operators and agencies are only able to sell tour packages for authorised activities.

It is recommended that those visitors who have planned a dive trip to Galapagos contact their tour operators for the latest information. Other information can be obtained directly from the Park offices: Raquel Molina, Director (director@spng.org.ec) and Edwin Naula, Head of Public Use (enaula@spng.org.ec).

Now available online, in both English and Spanish, is one of the most important papers ever released by the Charles Darwin Foundation: "Galapagos at Risk".

This document summarises studies of Galapagos from the last 15 years on biodiversity, conflict, tourism, economics and migration. It hopes to create a new paradigm of understanding about what is happening in Galapagos and underscore the declaration of President Correa and UNESCO's decision to add Galapagos to its List of World Heritage Sites in Danger.

"Galapagos at Risk" provides facts like these:

• The principal cause of these changes has been development driven by tourism which has grown economically at 14% per year. This growth is demonstrated by the numbers of visitors to Galapagos from 40,000 in 1990 to over 140,000 in 2006.
• The growth of tourism and the population stimulate the arrival of more flights and more cargo boats, decreasing the isolation of the archipelago and thereby increasing the arrival of invasive species - the greatest threat to the native biodiversity.
• The financial flows from tourism contribute to increasing immigration to the islands and result in higher demands for public services and jobs, creating a vicious cycle of growth and immigration.

Download "Galapagos at Risk" (pdf: 266KB)

Source: Charles Darwin Foundation

Controlling the flies to save rare birds from extinction

In the nests of Darwin's finches and other Galapagos birds lurks a deadly intruder. Feeding on the blood of the nestlings, the larvae of an introduced fly, Philornis downsi, cause mortality of up to 76%. Although in Galapagos since 1964, P. downsi wasn't discovered in nests until 1997. CDF volunteer entomologist and Fulbright scholar, Adair Muth, is trying to find a way to trap adult flies using attractants such as banana, urine and stale beer but the flies seem to like a mix of sugar and dry milk powder the best. The most efficient methods will be used in priority areas during the next breeding season, in an effort to increase reproductive success of rare birds such as the mangrove finch.

Muth's research is also providing valuable clues to help identify control methods such as sterile insect techniques as a long-term solution to stop the spiral toward extinction of the rarest birds. The challenge is to find a way to rear larvae and adults on site at the research station using samples collected from active nests in Puerto Ayora. After a successful collection trip an excited Muth said "I caught a live female which laid eggs all over the inside of the collection tube! Until that moment we didn't know if P. downsi laid live larvae or eggs. They lay eggs!"

Previous CDF studies on P. downsi showed extensive distribution in the archipelago: 11 of 13 islands sampled. Affected birds include finches, mockingbirds and flycatchers. These birds, especially the famed Darwin's finches, show just how quickly species can be harmed when man intrudes upon Nature.

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Increased air traffic - invasive species get new wings

The rising number of planes traveling to Galapagos is outstripping the ability of the quarantine programme to prevent the introduction of invasive species. Based on recent studies funded by the Global Environmental Facility, CDF urgently recommend that the Galapagos Quarantine and Inspection System (SICGAL) be strengthened and that procedures for disinfection of planes be improved and strictly enforced.

Serving the needs of unprecedented tourism and population growth, flights to the islands have increased by 193% since 2001. There are multiple daily flights from mainland Ecuador. Private planes have arrived directly from other countries and could bring new pests and diseases such as West Nile virus. Other private planes leave from airports on the Ecuadorian mainland where no or only limited inspection is possible due to insufficient resources. Said Charlotte Causton, CDF's head of invertebrate research, "SICGAL inspectors have been reduced by 20% when the number of passengers, luggage and freight has more than doubled, making efficient inspection impossible."

No quarantine system can be 100% effective but the risk can be significantly reduced if air access to the islands is limited to specific routes where strict quarantine measures can be taken. Says David Cruz, CDF's technical advisor to SICGAL, "Improving the ability of SICGAL to manage increased air traffic must be a top priority if pests are to be stopped entering the islands. The unique species, the very reason why people come to Galapagos, are at great risk."

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Introduced rats - is eradication possible?

The black rat, Rattus rattus, and the common house mouse, Mus musculus, are two of the most invasive and destructive invasive species to have arrived in Galapagos since the discovery of the islands in 1535. During a workshop arranged by the CDF and the Galapagos National Park Service, local management authorities, scientists and international experts on invasive species control discussed how these rodents could be eradicated.

According to Linda Cayot, the workshop coordinator and CDF researcher, "The combination of expertise at this workshop has already created an exciting plan for Pinzon Island which will provide a testing ground for the eradication of [introduced] rodents from the entire archipelago."

While representing a huge challenge for scientists and managers, the plan for Pinzon Island is strategically designed to look to the future, when the knowledge and technology exist to eradicate introduced rodents from the larger, more complex islands. Introduced rodents are having major - and potentially irreversible - detrimental effects on biodiversity both in the Galapagos and elsewhere. Together the CDF and GNPS aim to develop a state-of-the-art rodent eradication programme that will serve as a model for other island ecosystems worldwide.

CDF would like to thank the UK-based Galapagos Conservation Trust and Lindblad Expedition's Galapagos Conservation Fund for their financial support for the workshop.

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Students get a green "thumbs up" for native plant project

Twenty students from the Santa Cruz Island branch of Central University and supervised by CDF botanists prepared hundreds of native plants for the Miguel Cifuentes Memorial Garden, opened on June 5th - World Environment Day - by Santa Cruz Island Mayor Leopoldo Buchelli. The students worked for three months in the CDF nurseries in Bellavista and Puerto Ayora, collecting and planting seeds and seedlings and tending the plants. Their goal was to "green" an abandoned space in front of the new Environmental Management offices of the Santa Cruz municipality. "We have created a place where people can relax and enjoy the unique flora of the island," said Dario Morales, student coordinator. This CDF project, supported by the Nordic Friends of Galapagos, showcases how to create beautiful gardens that are both unique and present no threat to biodiversity.

"By encouraging people to plant native gardens we hope to curb the spread of invasive ornamentals," said CDF introduced plants specialist, Rachel Atkinson. "'Out of place' decorative plants can affect agriculture as well as biodiversity, as their control requires significant financial investment."

The garden honors Miguel Cifuentes, ex-mayor of Santa Cruz and ex-CDF president, who was a role model for many young Galapagos people and a renowned conservation expert and visionary. It is fitting that with his passing away in April the new native garden will be a tribute to his passion for all things Galapagos and his belief in people working together in harmony with nature.

For CDF's full news bulletin, visit e-Newsletter: Charles Darwin Foundation.