The Charles Darwin Research Station is open Monday-Sunday, from 08:00 to 18:00 (including public holidays). Come visit us in the heart of Galapagos!

Artisanal fishing within the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR) is more than just a source of income—it is the livelihood of more than 500 families and an essential part of the islands' culture including hotels, cruise ships, restaurants and feeding local people. Yet, this vital tradition is under increasing pressure from the combined impacts of El Niño and climate change, which threaten marine biodiversity and the local economy. Drawing on insights from the recent scientific publication “An Overview of the Socioecological Impacts of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Climate Change on Artisanal Fisheries in the Galápagos”, co-authored by our Principal Investigator Jorge Ramírez, we explore how these threats affect local fisheries and what actions are needed to secure a more sustainable future.

The artisanal fishing sector is vital to the Galapagos Islands, but it is facing increasing challenges such as climate change, unfair value chains, and over-exploitation. Our program seeks to create a more prosperous, autonomous, and fair seafood system that is respectful of the natural environment, and fosters resilience against environmental, socio-economic, and climate change.

Andrea Daniela Coloma is a marine bird researcher and devoted mother of two, proving that science and motherhood can thrive side by side. Discover how her passion for conservation, rooted in the Galapagos, intersects with family life—and how the Charles Darwin Foundation supports this meaningful balance. Read her story.