Recent research by Dr. Jon Witman, Brown University, and co-funded by Galapagos Conservancy has shown that cyanobacteria rapidly expand in the rocky subtidal regions of central Galapagos. Cyanobacteria is a photosynthetic, aquatic bacteria that forms mats on the surfaces of submerged habitats.
Experts believe that cyanobacteria could be an indicator of reef ecosystem stress. This is due to the fact that they are able to adapt to changes such as temperature, nutrient depletion and coral death. This plasticity allows cyanobacteria to thrive in warming marine ecosystems.
This study showed that cyanobacterial mats have rapidly expanded at a subtidal location in central Galapagos Islands. They now cover one-third the rocky reef.
To determine what factors led to the observed changes, both field and lab experiments were used. The abundance of cyanobacteria was reduced by sea cucumbers (Holothurians), which they feed on. This effect is likely to be present in both hard-substrate as well as soft-substrate habitats. The Galapagos Islands have seen a severe increase in sea cucumber populations since 2004. This suggests that benthic and cyanobacteria may have been partly influenced by the recent growth of sea cucumber populations in the Galapagos Islands.
Two species of sea stars were able to avoid Cyanobacteria, which was unpalatable for several herbivorous fish species.
A lab experiment confirmed that cyanobacteria mat expansion was facilitated by El Nino water temperatures between 2014 and 2017.
Warming water temperatures and healthy populations of marine herbivores have facilitated the growth of cyanobacterial mats along subtidal coral reefs in Galapagos Islands. However, this has had a significant impact on the structure of bottom-dwelling communities and the persistence of Galapagos coral reefs.
Teresa Jaramillo (a Isabela Island resident) has been leading the “Manos Reciclando”, a collective of 20 women dedicated to proper solid waste management, for the past five year. Recycling Hands is aware of the negative impact that bad habits can have on the island’s environment. They seek ways to reduce, reuse, or dispose of waste generated locally.
Teresa points out that the collective was founded in 2017 and has worked to encourage a reduction in consumption habits. Collective members believe that small actions can help solve big problems and work together to protect the environment. First, the collective accepted that pollution due to waste accumulation is a reality on Isabela Island. There is no waste management system.
Manos Reciclando has found that the main problem is the lack of resources needed to establish a waste management system. Galapagos Conservancy has been a great supporter and trustor of Teresa’s collective. She stated that her goal was to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of waste on biodiversity and how to contribute to responsible waste management.
The collective employs several strategies. One approach is to encourage local product purchases. Galapagos residents are dependent on products from mainland which, Teresa pointed out, exacerbates the problem of pollution. Local goods are cheaper to transport and less likely to end up as waste.
Manos Reciclando also uses a cleanup brigade on Isabela Island. A first cleanup was held on October 21st, in collaboration with the Municipal Government, local institutions, and the community. Nearly 500 pounds worth of garbage was collected. 49% of it was plastic, 23% glass, 13% mixed and 15% cardboard, metal and fabric. Teresa stated, “As consumers we are directly responsible to pollution. Therefore, we must take action, knowing that our actions directly impact on pollution.”
These efforts were supplemented by 130 students who attended Manos Reciclando workshops to learn how to make decorative and educational items out of recycled materials.
According to Dr. Jorge Carrion (Conservando Galapagos), managing our waste responsibly is our responsibility. My intention is to stress that every day actions such as reducing our consumption and separating waste positively impact the environment, and our well-being.
Galapagos Conservancy wishes Teresa Jaramillo, Recycling Hands and all those involved in environmental projects to promote environmental awareness within the community, a sincere congratulations.
Waste Management Workshop © Galápagos Conservancy