Abstract | Shark finning in the Galapagos Marine Reserve

The Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) is part of the Ecuadorian territory, located in the Pacific Ocean 960Km from South America. Its particular oceanographic conditions define the physical, geological and ecological conditions for its uniqueness in biodiversity and high endemism. The GMR holds a high biomass of species, including thirty species of sharks. However, the Galapagos accelerated tourism industry and the population growth causes anthropogenic pressures overusing natural resources and resulting in tensions between sectors; such as the local artisanal fishing sector. For that reason, in 1998, the GMR established a protecting border around the Islands. Nevertheless, illegal shark finning in the GMR is a constant threat for the marine resources conservation. Galapagos is a complex dynamic and adaptive system, where the GMR represents a common pool resource. Establishing non extractive areas and multi-use zones within the GMR was necessary for preserving the marine resources and their ecosystems, but current GMR governance and management could fail due tensions between sectors using the marine reserve. As a result, the challenges of conservation and simultaneously sustaining the local human wellbeing on the Islands, are aggravated. The strategic vision of participation and co-management from the Galapagos Special Law, declaring the GMR in 1998, needs to include a social legitimate and responsible representation among the stakeholders in further decision making processes. This paper is an appraisal about the shark finning illegal practice in the GMR, their ecosystem services provided to the human utility in the GMR, and the incoming alternatives for the Galapagos fishermen applying the multi-criteria analysis (MCA). The knowledge between scientists, decision makers and fishermen could ensure the possibility, if not in consensus at least in transparency, to design and implement deliberated policies for a sustainable use of the marine resources; joining efforts for preserving its marine ecosystems and its ocean-dependent societies.

Bio | Daniela Cox

Galapagos islander, Ecuadorian. Galapagos National Park Naturalist Guide for National Geographic and other companies, BA in Marine Ecology at USFQ, Quito, Ecuador. Former alternate congresswoman representative of Galapagos at the National Assembly of Ecuador. Currently student of Master in Sustainable Business at Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. My field of interest in community engagement, empowerment and leadership from a local perspective.