Galápagos Responsible Fisheries Network Strengthens the Capacity of Artisanal Fishers and Reinforces Its Commitment to Marine Sustainability
Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, June 4, 2026 – The Galápagos Responsible Fisheries Network has officially launched, bringing together artisanal fishers, conservation organizations, and strategic partners from the fisheries sector to promote a shared vision of sustainability, traceability, and commitment to marine conservation
The Galápagos Responsible Fisheries Network is a voluntary initiative that currently brings together certified artisanal fishers from the Galápagos Marine Reserve, alongside representatives from the tourism sector, culinary partners, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and the scientific community. Together, they aim to promote responsible fishing practices and strengthen collaboration in support of marine resource sustainability and the well-being of local communities.
The Network seeks to recognize and enhance the value of artisanal fishers’ efforts by identifying and strengthening responsible and fair markets for products sourced from fisheries committed to sustainability. To achieve this, Fundación Jocotoco and the Charles Darwin Foundation, together with their technology partner ShellCatch, have developed a platform that directly connects artisanal fishers with customers, including restaurants and other local businesses, facilitating access to traceable, transparent, and responsibly sourced seafood products
As part of this initiative, a series of induction workshops were held for the artisanal fishing sector. Participants contributed to improving the technological applications while also becoming familiar with their use, as well as with other tools related to the responsible monitoring and recording of fishing activities.
Last week, the official launch event of the Responsible Fisheries Network took place, bringing together representatives from the fishing sector, partner organizations, and stakeholders involved in marine conservation. During the event, the Network’s vision, commitments, and roadmap were presented, while creating opportunities for dialogue and the exchange of experiences among founding fishers.
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"We firmly believe that marine conservation in Galápagos is only possible when we work hand in hand with fishing communities. This Network represents a collective effort that integrates technology, transparency, and commitment to strengthen responsible and sustainable fisheries for future generations," said Eliécer Cruz Bedón, Director of the Galápagos Program at Fundación Jocotoco.
The initiative is supported by Save The Blue Five and Bezos Earth Fund, strategic partners that promote local initiatives focused on marine species conservation, sustainable fisheries, and the well-being of coastal communities.
"The Responsible Fishing Network is an example of collective and responsible action led by local stakeholders. It is aligned with and committed to transforming the Galápagos marine system into one that is more prosperous, sustainable, equitable, and self-reliant," said César Viteri, Principal Co-Investigator for Sustainable Fisheries at the Charles Darwin Foundation.
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Bryan Perez Jocotoco
Bryan Perez Jocotoco
"The sustainability of fisheries depends on strong partnerships among communities, science, and conservation. The Galápagos Responsible Fishing Network demonstrates how local leadership can generate lasting benefits for both the oceans and the people who depend on them," said Patricia León, Associate Director for Nature Conservation at the Bezos Earth Fund.
"Galápagos is a global benchmark for a sustainable blue economy because it has successfully built a relationship between productive activities, biodiversity conservation, and community well-being. This triple-impact vision is part of the archipelago’s identity and demonstrates that economic benefits can be generated while protecting the ocean. The Responsible Fishing Network helps strengthen and showcase the good practices that artisanal fishers and other local stakeholders have developed over the years, promoting greater transparency, traceability, and recognition of their commitment to sustainability," said Hugo Armijos, Blue Finance Component Coordinator at Save The Blue Five.
The Galápagos Responsible Fisheries Network works to become a model of collaboration that connects artisanal fishers, the private sector, science, and conservation, promoting more sustainable, transparent, and traceable fisheries that benefit both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them, while also contributing to the management and conservation efforts led by the Galápagos National Park Directorate.
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Notes to Editors
For media inquiries, please contact:
Charles Darwin Foundation
Daniela Ibarra
comunicacion@fcdarwin.org.ec
Fundación Jocotoco
Isabel Grijalva
isabel.grijalva@jocotoco.org.ec
Save The Blue Five
Juan Pablo Eslava
juan.eslava@savethebluefive.net
About the Charles Darwin Foundation
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galápagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-profit organization that has operated in Galápagos since 1959 under a special agreement with the Government of Ecuador. The mission of the Foundation and its Research Station is to address the greatest threats and challenges facing Galápagos through scientific research and conservation action, helping protect one of the world's most important natural treasures. Today, CDF carries out more than 25 research and conservation projects and curates over 135,000 specimens within its Natural History Collections. Its diverse team of more than 140 staff members is primarily composed of Ecuadorian nationals, with more than 60% being residents of the Galápagos Islands.
For more information, visit: www.darwinfoundation.org