The Galápagos
Stakeholders Approve Framework for Fisheries Management
Anchored fishing boats Near the island Isabela Island Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
© Pablo CORRAL / WWF-Canon
The convergence of cool waters from the south and warm tropical waters from the north makes for an outstanding diversity of marine life in the Galápagos, including 306 species of fish. This natural abundance has made fishing an important livelihood on the islands. But the explosive growth in human presence has fueled an increase in fishing boats in the Galápagos Marine Reserve and resulted in declining fish populations.
To protect marine resources and promote sustainable management, WWF supported the establishment of a participatory board consisting of representatives from government, conservation groups, the local fishing community, and the commercial fishing industry. In January, stakeholders approved a new framework for fisheries management in the reserve.
"Good management of fisheries ensures that fishing will remain a way of life in the Galapagos," says Lauren Spurrier, managing director of WWF's Galapagos program.
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The Galápagos Islands, named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else in the world.
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