Galapagos launches responsible fishing network to boost marine conservation

A new initiative, the Galapagos Responsible Fishing Network, has been launched to bolster marine conservation and promote a shared vision of sustainability, traceability, and commitment to the ocean's health. The network brings together artisanal fishers, conservation organizations, tourism sector representatives, gastronomic partners, and academic institutions.

This voluntary network currently comprises certified artisanal fishers from the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Its core mission is to promote good fishing practices and enhance collaborative efforts for the sustainability of marine resources and the well-being of local communities. The network seeks to recognize and elevate the value of artisanal fishers' work by identifying and strengthening fair and responsible markets for sustainably sourced seafood.

Foundations Jocotoco and Charles Darwin (FCD), along with their technological partner ShellCatch, have developed a tool to directly connect artisanal fishers with customers, including restaurants and local businesses. This platform facilitates access to traceable, transparent, and responsibly sourced seafood products.

"We firmly believe that marine conservation in Galapagos is only possible when we work alongside fishing communities. This Network represents a collective effort that integrates technology, transparency, and commitment to strengthen responsible fishing," stated Eliécer Cruz, Director of the Galapagos Program at Fundación Jocotoco.

The initiative is supported by Save The Blue Five and Bezos Earth Fund, key partners driving local conservation efforts for marine species, fishing sustainability, and coastal community welfare. César Viteri, co-principal investigator of Sustainable Fisheries at FCD, described the network as "an example of collective and responsible action generated by local actors aligned and committed to transforming the Galapagos marine system to make it more prosperous."

Patricia León, Associate Director for Nature Conservation at Bezos Earth Fund, emphasized the importance of strong partnerships. "The sustainability of fisheries depends on solid alliances between communities, science, and conservation. The Galapagos Responsible Fishing Network is an example of how local leadership can generate lasting benefits for the oceans and the people who depend on them," she noted. Hugo Armijos, Coordinator of Blue Financing at Save The Blue Five, highlighted Galapagos as a benchmark for sustainable blue economy, successfully building a relationship between productive activity and biodiversity conservation.