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With a total area encompassing 133,000 km2, the World Heritage-listed Galapagos Marine Reserve is home to nearly 3,000 marine species. For nature lovers, a Galapagos cruise is one of the most fulfilling ways of encountering these species in their own protected habitat. Renowned as one of the most biologically diverse marine environments on the planet, in 2007, UNESCO placed the oceans around the archipelago on its list of threatened sites: "World Heritage in Danger". Threats to the Marine Reserve Several different habitats exist within the reserve and each faces numerous threats to the survival of the species it supports, including illegal fishing, invasive species and a growing human population. The good news is there are measures in place to reduce many of the threats to this magnificent aquatic environment, although some of them are more dependent on global action. Overfishing and Illegal Fishing Until recent times, the overfishing of sea cucumbers, sharks and lobsters was causing a reduction in their populations. However, with the implementation of a number of education programmes at community level, the amount of local fishing has dramatically decreased. Less easy to control is the illegal hunting/fishing of tortoises, whale sharks and sea lions for meat and specific body parts. While there are now sophisticated methods in place to detect unauthorised vessels and protect the waters around the islands, the practice has not been entirely eradicated. Rubbish in the Oceans Another threat to marine life is posed by the presence of the millions of tonnes of rubbish that flows into the oceans every year. As well as increasing the acidity of the water, much of the rubbish consists of plastics (up to 75%), which can cause myriad problems for marine life. Along with the physical dangers of plastics (getting entangled), if ingested, plastic can cause internal injuries and changes in hormones and DNA structure. The issue is becoming so high profile and urgent that at the World Oceans Summit, in 2017, Indonesia set a benchmark by pledging $1bn annually to the reduction of plastics pollution. Conservationists all over the world are urging other world leaders to follow suit. Climate Change Some of the islands' unique aquatic species, like the Galapagos Penguin (the world's only warm-weather penguin), can exist due to the presence of the converging cold currents. But if the temperatures of the oceans continue to rise, the bird will become unable to reproduce and this would bring about their demise. Rising sea levels due to climate change also have the potential to affect species like Marine Iguanas and sea turtles that lay their eggs on shore. The archipelago is renowned for its diving and snorkelling opportunities, but rising temperatures and increased acidity of the oceans can also affect coral, which in turn affects the survival of myriad species of fish. Conservation and Regulation While climate change and plastic waste must be tackled at a global governmental level, the Galapagos Marine Park Authority has implemented a successful programme in order to protect the area. Although they permit some recreational fishing and other activities (diving, snorkelling, organised Galapagos cruise tourism), they maintain a strict set of regulations using satellite geographic information systems (GIS) to monitor the area and ensure compliance by visitors, locals and tourism operators. Conservation is a Global Responsibility Anyone intending to visit the islands on a Galapagos cruise has a responsibility to uphold the regulations put in place around the marine park. Everyone can play a part, no matter how small, in conserving this unique region and its inhabitants. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Marissa chooses the expert-led Galapagos cruise itineraries organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of wildlife in one of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
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