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The Galápagos is a wildlife haven. But is that enough to protect the rare scalloped hammerhead shark?
The species is abundant within the protected archipelago but when they migrate outside the marine reserve to give birth they run the gauntlet of industrial fishing
TL;DR
- Researchers use freediving and spear-tipped skin biopsy collection to study scalloped hammerhead sharks.
- Satellite tags reveal that many scalloped hammerheads migrate from the Galápagos to Panama for birthing.
- The species is critically endangered globally, with populations declining significantly due to overfishing.
- Despite being in a marine reserve, illegal longline fishing occurs around the Galápagos Islands.
- Scalloped hammerheads face threats from industrial and artisanal fishing during their migrations.
- Conservation efforts are underway to protect nursery areas in Panama and address fishing practices along migration routes.
- The research has led to the species being recategorized for higher protection under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).