Multidecadal underwater surveys reveal declines in marine turtles in the eastern tropical pacific

A recent study has revealed an alarming decline in marine turtle populations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This research, based on over 35,000 dives conducted at Cocos Island, Costa Rica, over a period of 26 years, provides deep insights into the vulnerability of turtles to environmental pressures and predators.

The data collected showed that the relative abundance of marine turtles decreases by 26% each year. Factors such as rising sea temperatures and interactions with tiger sharks, one of the main predators of turtles, have been identified as key drivers of this trend. A mere 1°C increase in sea surface temperature can reduce turtle presence by 7%.

This research highlights the importance of marine protected areas and the need for greater protection for turtles in their marine environment, as they migrate across vast areas like the Galapagos and Cocos Islands. Although these areas are protected, turtles continue to face threats outside of these zones, such as bycatch in industrial fishing.

The study also underscores the crucial role of community science. Many observations were made by professional divers during tourist dives, demonstrating how collaborations between scientists and citizens can significantly contribute to the conservation of marine species.

These findings emphasize the urgent need for more effective measures to protect marine turtles, particularly in the context of climate change and fishing pressure. The information gathered from studies like this is essential for developing conservation strategies that can support the recovery of these vulnerable species.

Learn more on the link below: 

https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/csp2.13249

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In 2022, the Galapagos Science Center (GSC) and the broader UNC & USFQ Galapagos Initiative will celebrate its 10th Anniversary. We are proud to announce the World Summit on Island Sustainability scheduled to be held on June 26–30, 2022 at the Galapagos Science Center and the Community Convention Center on San Cristobal Island.

The content of the World Summit will be distributed globally through social media and results documented through papers published in a book written as part of the Galapagos Book Series by Springer Nature and edited by Steve Walsh (UNC) & Carlos Mena (USFQ) as well as Jill Stewart (UNC) and Juan Pablo Muñoz (GSC/USC). The book will be inclusive and accessible by the broader island community including scientists, managers, residents, tourists, and government and non-government organizations.

While the most obvious goal of organizing the World Summit on Island Sustainability is to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the GSC and the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, other goals will be addressed through special opportunities created as part of our operational planning of the World Summit.

For instance, we seek to elevate and highlight the Galapagos in the island conservation discourse, seeking to interact with other island networks in more obvious and conspicuous ways to benefit the Galapagos Islands, the UNC-USFQ Galapagos Initiative, and the world. We will seize the opportunity to further develop the I2N2 – International Islands Network-of-Networks. Further, we wish to highlight and emphasize multiple visions of a sustainable future for the Galapagos Islands and we cannot do this alone. Therefore, engaging the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government Council of Galapagos, the Galapagos National Park, and local Galapagos authorities, including government and non-government organizations and local citizen groups, is imperative.

The Galapagos Science Center on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Borrowing from Hawaii’s and Guam’s Green Growth Program and the Global Island Partnership, we wish to examine existing global programs that emphasize island sustainability and their incorporation into life, policies, and circumstances in the Galapagos Islands. We will also seek to enhance our connections with the institutional members of our International Galapagos Science Consortium and expand the Consortium through the recruitment of other member institutions. We will also work to benefit islands and their local communities by working with citizen groups as well as important NGOs who seek to improve the natural conditions in the Galapagos and diminish the impact of the human dimension on the future of Galapagos’ ecosystems.

Lastly, we will use the World Summit to benefit UNC & USFQ and our constituencies through a strong and vibrant communication plan about the World Summit, creating corporate relationships as sponsors, identifying funding goals through donors, and benefiting our study abroad program for student engagement in the Galapagos Islands. We plan to develop and issue a Galapagos Sustainability Communique after the World Summit that includes the vision and insights of all its participants for a sustainable Galapagos with applicability to global island settings.

We are eager to hear your perspective and have you join us at the World Summit on Island Sustainability!