Sea lions playing
The Galapagos marine reserve was established in 1998 and remains a largely unexplored world of diverse endemic and native species. The exact numbers and types of species contributing to complex marine ecosystems are unknown, but include marine mammals such as endemic sea lions and fur seals, bony fish, and cartilaginous fish such as sharks and rays, as well as marine invertebrate and plant species.
Overfishing for sea cucumbers and lobsters, and illegal fishing for shark fins and other marine resources for lucrative international markets continue to place pressures on marine ecosystems. Many practices such as longline fishing have been made illegal, although patrolling the immense waters of the marine reserve to enforce the laws can be problematic. Scientific research by CDF scientists will hopefully define the limits that the marine ecosystems can withstand, allowing policies to be developed to suit both fisheries and to preserve the delicate balance of marine life.
CDF Fact sheets on Galapagos native and endemic marine species
Marine mammals: Sea lions
Cartilaginous fish: Sharks
Sea cucumbers