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.

Ushering in a new chapter for ocean governance ratification of the BBNJ agreement.

The Charles Darwin Foundation and Oceans Finance Company are delighted to announce a strategic partnership aimed at advancing crucial long-term conservation initiatives to enhance resilience to climate change in the archipelago and surrounding areas.

Dive into the mysterious world of sharks and discover their vital role in keeping our oceans healthy. Far from being monsters, sharks are guardians of balance, threatened by human actions. Learn how these majestic creatures sustain marine ecosystems—and how you can help protect them during Shark Week.

Collected more than 130 years ago, some of the oldest marine specimens from Galápagos are preserved at the Marine Organisms Collection of the Charles Darwin Research Station. These historic corals, gathered during the 1888 Albatross expedition, continue to provide valuable insights into the past and present of Galápagos marine biodiversity, highlighting the importance of scientific collections for research and conservation.

From the heart of the Galapagos, discover how science, community, and conservation unite to protect sharks, turtles, seabirds, and more. Explore the threats, the efforts, and how you can help safeguard our shared blue planet.

Galápagos sharks do not all behave the same. Hammerheads form large schools, whitetip reef sharks rest on reefs, tiger sharks repeatedly return to key feeding areas, and whale sharks undertake long migrations. Understanding these different behaviors helps protect critical habitats, migration routes, and supports more effective conservation strategies for each species.

The introduction of alien species is arguably the most important driver of biodiversity loss for oceanic islands. Our work seeks to evaluate the effects of alien invasive species, climate change, and other anthropogenic pressures on the biodiversity of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and the Eastern Tropical Pacific in order to better sustain coastal communities and prevent marine species extinction.

The Galápagos Responsible Fishing Network brings together artisanal fishers, conservation organizations, scientists, and private-sector partners to promote sustainable fishing practices, traceability, and responsible markets. Through technology, collaboration, and transparency, the initiative strengthens local capacities while supporting marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and community well-being.

A recent study published in the prestigious scientific journal Global Change Biology reveals that nearly a quarter of chondrichthyan species (cartilaginous fish including sharks, rays, and chimeras) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) are highly vulnerable to climate change.