Galapagos, Author at Galapagos Islands Travel

The Galapagos Islands is a natural wonder and home to species that are unique on Earth. Ecuador’s government announced a massive debt-for nature swap that will go towards conservation of the marine areas on these islands. Galapagos Conservancy recognizes the importance of this historic achievement in protecting the islands’ flora, fauna and ecosystems.

Marine reserves in the Galapagos Archipelago, Hermandad and other nearby areas are important breeding grounds for endangered species like whale sharks and scalloped-hammerhead sharks. It is vital to their conservation and protection that an international marine corridor be established across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. James Gibbs is the Acting President of Galapagos Conservancy. He says that this deal represents a significant step in protecting important migratory animals, like the critically endangered scalloped-hammerhead shark. It is an opportunity to speed up our conservation efforts.

Galapagos Conservancy – which has more than 140 marine and terrestrial projects – considers that this decision is a major achievement, and it will motivate them to continue their mission of conserving the Galapagos Archipelago, and its unique species. This historic swap of debt for nature will create a significant momentum that will help to secure the marine environment and species on Galapagos.

Galapagos Conservancy and the Galapagos National Park Directorate have worked together since 1985 to protect the natural resources on the islands, as well as share scientific findings for the conservation of the living laboratory. Its mission is the conservation of biodiversity and the environment in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Galapagos Conservancy commends the Government of Ecuador for this important milestone. It is a win-win situation that benefits the Archipelago and other countries in the region, as well as marine conservation worldwide. This agreement will improve the management of the Galapagos marine reserve and Hermandad, protecting the unique flora & fauna of these beautiful islands for future generations. Together, we can build a better future for the Galapagos Islands as well as the rest of the world.

Iconic Galápagos Landscape © Joshua Vela

Scientists from around the world discovered in the Galapagos Marine Reserve a coral reef that had been untouched for thousands years. Scientists from the United Kingdom and the United States made this amazing discovery during an expedition in the GMR between March 27 and April 22. The reef was discovered at the top of an underwater mountain which spans several kilometers in the middle of the Archipelago between the islands Santa Fe and San Cristobal.

Scientists explored a reef that spanned more than one kilometer at depths between 437 and 656 yards. They discovered its beauty, biodiversity, coral fossils, which provide valuable insights into the marine conditions of hundreds of thousands years ago. This pristine ecosystem’s discovery is especially significant, given that the El Nino events in 1981-82 and in 1997-98 resulted in a loss of 97% of coral reefs on the GMR.

Danny Rueda is the director of the Galapagos National Park. He highlighted the importance of this discovery and noted that these pristine eco-systems had never been studied or monitored before. He said that “our commitment is to continue monitoring the ecosystems and the biodiversity we have discovered”

The deep-sea submarine Alvin was used for the expedition, and it provided valuable information on little-known habitats. Alvin’s technology allowed scientists to collect data at depths that were beyond the usual range of 44-66 yards. Jennifer Suarez of the Galapagos National Park Directorate’s Head of Marine Ecosystems Monitoring said that this expedition allowed for a better understanding of these areas, and their biodiversity.

Washington Tapia is excited about the discovery of the reef, the first of its type in the Archipelago. Tapia emphasized the importance of this discovery, not only in terms of biodiversity on Galapagos, but also for paving the path for future research into the marine ecosystem.

Deep-water coral reefs offer a rare chance to observe their evolution in the face of changing climate conditions. It is important to note that this discovery highlights the importance of continuing exploration and monitoring the oceans in order to protect these delicate and unique ecosystems.

Atlantis expedition © L. Robinson

Fernandina is the youngest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It has an active volcano, and a pristine, untouched ecosystem. Fernandina Island is the third-largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. It measures 642 square kilometers. However, its remoteness and inhospitable environment have kept humans away and protected it against invasive species. Fernandina, a natural treasure with unique beauty, is protected by this.

Fernandina is still a wildlife haven despite being one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its latest eruption was in 2020. The caldera formed by the 1968 collapse of the volcano is now a small, still lake. The island is home a variety of species including iguanas (both land and marine), fur seals and penguins. It also has cormorants and finches.

Although the conditions on Fernandina are unlivable, it is an incredible place to visit. It offers a rare opportunity to experience nature and the Galapagos Islands’ pristine beauty. Scientists and park rangers use its unspoiled ecosystems for research and conservation. Fernandina’s biodiversity and natural beauty are dependent on its conservation.

Galapagos Conservancy, and its sister organization Conservando Galapagos’ Director of Conservation, Dr. Jorge Carrion said that the Galapagos National Park Rangers, who Galapagos Conservancy fully supports, are the key to the conservation of Fernandina. Carrion said that much work remains to be done and that “there are still many future challenges” to protect Fernandina’s unique natural environment.

Fernandina’s biodiversity is unique and has been unspoiled for thousands years. However, with the growing tourism in the Islands, as well as the threat from invasive species, it’s conservation becomes more urgent. We must act to protect Fernandina for future generations.

Sea Lion on Fernandina Island © Joshua Vela

Tortuga Bay, on Santa Cruz Island, is a stunning destination that draws tourists and locals to its turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Tortuga Bay’s stunning landscape and marine wildlife make it a must-see for nature lovers.

The Galapagos National Park Directorate opened a new visitor’s control booth in April at Tortuga Bay. This was a major step forward in conserving the insular and maritime biodiversity. The new $261,000 facility aims to improve tourist control and to prevent the introduction non-native species into the iconic site.

The new control station is more than a simple tourist checkpoint. The control booth also has a terrace, with resting areas and lookout points to take in the breathtaking views. It was also designed to achieve a vital objective: to protect the ecological integrity and balance of Tortuga Bay. This is done by preventing non-native species from entering the bay, registering them, and controlling their entry.

This new measure protects the pristine beach environment of Tortuga Bay, as well as its diverse wildlife. Danny Rueda is the Director of the Galapagos National Park. He says that this new facility will provide new recreational areas to the local community, while also ensuring strict tourist and environmental controls.

Tortuga Bay is a prime example of why it’s important to preserve the Galapagos Islands marine and coastal eco-systems. It is not only one of the most beautiful beach in the Archipelago but it is also a vital habitat for marine fauna such as turtles, seabirds and iguanas. It is vital to implement measures that protect the site’s ecological integrity for the sake of future generations.

Galapagos Conservancy congratulates GNPD for the new visitor checkpoint at Tortuga Bay. This is great news for nature lovers, and those who are working to promote sustainable tourism.

Renewed entrance to Tortuga Bay © GNPD

Seabirds provide vital information about the state of our oceans, and their availability. Understanding bird populations, their feeding habits and migration patterns provides valuable information on the state of ecosystems.

Flightless Cormorant is a bioindicator of seabirds and an iconic species in the Galapagos Islands. This non-flying species is only found on the islands of Fernandina & Isabela.

Flightless Cormorants are named for their atrophied wing muscles, which prevent them from flying. The species adapted to the Galapagos Islands, where there were no terrestrial predators back two million years. This allowed them to feed easily without the need to fly long distances. The main ingredients of its diet are fish, squids, octopuses and eels from coastal waters. Flightless Cormorants swim better than their flying counterparts and are often seen relaxing on large rocks near to the coast, after hunting for food.

The Flightless Cormorant breeds during the coldest months of the Archipelago, usually between July and October, when marine foods are more abundant. The female typically lays three to four eggs in a clutch. However, only one chick survives. The male and female both take part in the incubation of the eggs, and they continue to share responsibility for feeding and protecting chicks. When the chicks are able to take care of themselves, the female will leave to find a new mate. The male is left to look after the chicks. Females can reproduce as many as three times per annum.

The IUCN Red List classifies the species as Vulnerable. According to the Galapagos National Park Directorate’s latest count in 2022 there are approximately 2,085 individuals. Flightless Cormorants are threatened by predators like snakes, cats, rats, owls and hawks. They can also be eaten by sharks. Experts say that despite these threats they can live up to 50-years.

Galapagos Conservation recognizes the importance of protecting seabirds including the Flightless Cormorant of Galapagos. Like other seabirds this species performs important ecological functions within the Galapagos ecosystems. Flightless Cormorants will continue to live on the coasts of Fernandina, Isabela, and the other Galapagos islands for generations to come if we dedicate our efforts to fighting invasive species, illicit fishing, and all other threats.

Danny Rueda and Washington Tapia of Galapagos National Park signed a cooperation agreement on April 11, 2018. This alliance aims to enhance the conservation efforts carried out by National Park in order to protect the marine and land ecosystems of Galapagos.

This agreement is a significant step towards the conservation of natural treasures throughout the Archipelago. Collaboration between the two organizations will improve, among others, management programs of emblematic species, eco-system restoration, the Rapid Response Network and the monitoring program of Sea Turtles.

This agreement is a great opportunity for Galapagos Conservancy to strengthen our support for the Galapagos National Park Directorate. We recognize the hard work done by the park rangers in ensuring the conservation of Galapagos eco-systems and their unique biodiversity. Tapia stressed the importance of combining efforts to protect and conserve ecosystems, as well as the species who inhabit them, to ensure their ability to serve current and future generations.

In the last decade, the partnership between Galapagos Conservancy (GC) and the GNPD has resulted in world-renowned conservation projects, including Iniciativa Galapagos. This partnership has made a significant contribution to the protection and preservation of some of the planet’s most precious ecosystems. This cooperation will be strengthened to ensure a sustainable future in the Archipelago.

We must all work together to preserve the natural beauty of Galapagos. Galapagos Conservancy reaffirms their commitment to support the GNPD’s work in caring for and restoring the protected areas on the Archipelago. Tapia said, “This agreement shows that we can have a positive effect on conservation and that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Galapagos and the opportunities it provides for the local population.”