Tiburón Martillo floating base: Direct Protection at Darwin and Wolf Islands
In cooperation with Conservation International, WWF and the Galapagos National Park Service, WildAid completed the refit of the “Tiburón Martillo” floating base, which will be transported and based near the Wolf and Darwin Islands in late 2008. While the maritime area surrounding Wolf and Darwin Islands possess some of the world`s most unique biodiversity & is one of the world`s premier diving areas, the area has been identified as the most threatened in the Galapagos Marine Reserve due to continued presence of industrial fishing boats.
Up to date statistics show the highest number of fishing violator captures have occurred around these islands, even though the patrolling activities are limited and quite spaced in time due to their isolation.
According to dive experts, there has been a considerable reduction in the number of hammerhead sharks shoals that threatens the long term existence of these resources and the touristic activities developed from it.
Hammerheads and other shark species around the world are being harvested primarily for their fins and the GMR remains one of the last regions where these creatures can be seen gathered by the hundreds. Hence, it is vital that we establish a local and permanent surveillance and patrolling platform that will deter illegal fishing vessels from entering into these waters.
There’s a need of extra funding to start and support the operation of the Tiburón Martillo floating base, starting later this year.
Source: WildAid