GCT SHARK CAMPAIGN 2008
In support of the Galapagos Marine Reserve
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| THE FACTS |
| The Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) was created in 1998 and is a World Heritage Site |
| It is one of the world's largest protected areas and expands over an area of 144,000 km2 |
| The GMR has a combination of cold and warm oceanic currents and has characteristics similar to both the cold waters of the southern Pacific Ocean and the tropical reefs of Panama |
| More than 2,900 marine species have been reported and over 18% of those live nowhere else on earth |
| Many marine species within the reserve are yet to be discovered. |
| The Galapagos National Park Service works "To protect and to conserve the marine-coastal ecosystems of the archipelago and their biological diversity for the benefit of humanity, local populations, science and education". |
Introduction
In 2007, GCT broke news of the plight of sharks within the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) due to illegal activities, such as shark finning and long line fishing. The shark is an iconic figure in the Marine Reserve. It attracts many visitors each year and its plight can be used to highlight the vulnerability of the entire ecosystem within the GMR.
GCT chose sharks to front their campaign to protect the Marine Reserve, as they are key players within this environment. They are the top predators, top of the food chain and without sharks there would be a fatal imbalance that could cause a domino effect of problems for the whole archipelago, including the human population that rely so heavily on these finite resources. Research into the behaviour and movement of sharks can also help scientists in understanding the Reserve as a whole.
The GMR is a key contributor to life within the Galapagos archipelago. It is home to thousands of marine species, some of which are yet to be discovered. The Marine Reserve also provides a food source to land based animals and a livelihood to many of the human population.
Although both are ultimately caused by continuing development and human intervention, the Marine Reserve faces different problems to the terrestrial environment. The GMR is vulnerable to over exploitation, with the marine creatures used as a commodity, and not one that is currently being treated in a sustainable manner.
Crucial research needs to take place, so that the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) can provide data and advice to the Galapagos National Park Service, who manages the Reserve in terms of both protection and monitoring.
Three key factors to consider:
- The Galapagos Marine Reserve is one of the largest Marine Reserves in the world and provides a refuge to sharks and other endangered species.
- The fate of the Marine Reserve hinges on sharks that are top predators, hence top of the food chain.
- We understand very little about the Galapagos marine environment and need to know more by supporting research.
Shark campaign information
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