SHARK CAMPAIGN
Below are some of the ways in which you can protect your favourite species by supporting research and initiatives dealing with the many interrelated issues of the archipelago that are so important to the future of Galapagos and the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
1. Contribute towards or fund an entire project. For example:
Shark Research and Conservation - £70,000
Sharks are keystone species of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) and yet very little is known about their numbers, biology and population dynamics. However, there is a growing concern that numbers have declined in the last decade and that this may be due to illegal fishing for fins. Sharks are particularly vulnerable to over-fishing due to their slow growth, late sexual maturity and low reproductive potential. Local scientists, authorities and tourism operators see sharks species as a priority to study and conserve. Contributions between £5,000 and £15,000 are urgently requested for:
- Salary for the principal investigator and dive officer £14,000
- Tags £15,000
- Boat hire £14,500
- Data management / outreach £5,000
- Field equipment £6,500
- Satellite tags £15,000
This project will systematically gather information in field studies on population structure, spatial distribution, home range and biological status of sharks in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, in close collaboration with other Marine Protected Areas in the region. Information on connectivity, migration, site fidelity, inter-island movements, distribution and abundance will be collected and analysed within a framework of developing regional policies on shark conservation. The programme focuses on three species of shark: the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), the Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) and the whale shark (Rhincodon typus); on a regional level, and on the white-tipped reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) as a resident species which may be directly affected by the coastal zonation process.
Metapopulations and Recruitment - £30,000
This project will enable the CDF to provide crucial information about the reproduction and larval stages of key fisheries species (eg. lobsters, sea cucumbers) which will contribute to the monitoring of marine ecosystems in the context of fisheries decision-making.
The Ecological Impact of Galapagos Fisheries - £20,000
CDF scientists provide technical assistance to the GMR's decision making bodies. This project will enable the team to provide information on the ecological impact of fisheries decisions, and so support the development of sustainable fishing practices within the archipelago.
NB: Above are just a few examples of projects that can help to protect the marine wildlife of Galapagos. Complete funding proposals and budgets are available for each of the projects mentioned above and if you are interested in finding out more about any particular one, please contact GCT for more information.
2. Make a donation
Alternatively, we would ask you to make a donation to the Shark Campaign 2008, in support of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, where funds will be spent in a number of ways on projects that are priorities at the time. This support will be balanced between species specific and indirect support, such as staffing, support and developing a sustainable future for fishing and the local population.
- £16 will buy one piloted marine survey
- £32 will pay for a set of transects and accessories for underwater monitoring
- £45 will get a one diver in the water for seven days for underwater research
- £64 will pay for one day and night dive survey using the CDF zodiac
- £256 will buy one acoustic shark tag
- £1,400 will cover the salary of a researcher in CDF's Marine Biology team for a month
- £1,920 will buy an electronic shark tag
3. Adopt a shark
Help to protect the sharks of Galapagos by making a donation towards conservation in Galapagos. Pay £25 to adopt a shark and you will receive an A5 postcard with information about sharks and conservation in Galapagos. You will also receive a shark fridge magnet, which will be a constant reminder of your contribution towards our work.
4. Write a letter
- to your relevant government body
- to restaurants that serve shark fin soup
5. Sign the petition
GCT have joined forces with the Shark Trust to gather signatures for a petition to the European Commission. Support the campaign to implement a worldwide shark finning ban by visiting our petition and adding your name to the list.
6. Boycot restaurants serving shark fin soup
If you visit a restaurant that serves shark fin soup, speak to the management and explain the facts to them. Tell them of the trade that is occurring and how it could result in the extinction of some species of these prehistoric creatures. Ask them to take the soup off the menu. Report the restaurant to GCT, where we will add it to our record.
7. Spread the word
Tell your friends, family and colleagues about this barbaric trade. Inform them that this is happening on their doorstep and ask them not to eat in restaurants that serve shark fin soup. Contact your local press and ask them to publish an article to raise awareness of the issue.
With your support, we can continue to work towards conserving our heritage for generations to come.
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