Galapagos Marine Reserve

Found at the confluence of warm and cold surface currents and deep cold upwelling waters, the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are home to a fascinating ecological system. These waters were unprotected until recently and became vulnerable to the pressures of increased human presence, fishing and tourism.

Marine life in the Galapagos waters is closely related to the life on the islands. Island animals depend on the ocean.  Birds and animals existing near the water has a variety of distinctive habitats and endemic species including the world's only sea-going lizard, the Marine Iguana. Other notable wildlife includes the Sea Lion, Fur Seal, Galapagos Penguin, Flightless Cormorant, Waved Albatross, Lava Gull and Swallow-Tailed Gull.

The waters surrounding the Galapagos are home to 3000 species of marine plants and animals. Diving in the Galapagos is quickly expanding; divers seek the experience of spectacular marine life including Whale Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Hammerheads, Manta Rays and Leopard Rays.

In the past few years fishing in the Galapagos has boomed. Fishermen come with lines and nets hunting for tuna. Divers seek lobsters and sea cucumbers. During the 1990's fishing for sea cucumber to supply the Asian market greatly depleted that resource. Now even though illegal the fishing continues. Another lucrative and controversial practice is fishing for shark fins. These fishermen hunt the sharks merely for their fins, leaving the rest of the animal. This depletes the area of this important predator and the attraction of divers.

In 1992 a management plan was created for the Galapagos Marine Reserve, but due to lack of organization and involvement it went basically ignored. In 1997 renewed effort have brought about dramatic changes to the preserving the marine environment. All of the local sectors (fishing, tourism and conservation) have been brought together to negotiate protecting these resources. Finally in 1998 The Galapagos Marine Reserve was created. Designed to protect the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands and the resources they contain.

The Galapagos Marine Reserve Law provides for the following:

The incorporation of the Marine Reserve into the National System of Protected Areas

The Marine Reserve area is increased from 15 - 40 miles (24-64 km) from the base line

The Galapagos National Park Service is established as the authority in charge of administration, management and control of the marine reserve, as well as coordinating control with the Fisheries Ministry and the Navy.

Establishing a multi-sector management board consisting of the Galapagos National Park Service and the users of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.