"WWF has been supporting conservation work on the Galapagos Islands for 4 decades," said Peter Kramer, WWF's Network Relations Director, and former President of the Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands. "These islands are the site of some of the world's most exceptional biological diversity and it is clear that an incident of this kind could have a deep and lasting impact. For example, two unique coastal species found only on the Galapagos could be particularly at risk: the Galapagos penguin and the flightless cormorant."
"WWF believes that it is crucial for the Ecuadorian government and the international shipping community to consider designating the waters around these islands as a particularly sensitive sea area," said Sian Pullen, WWF's International Shipping Expert. "Such measures would help to ensure a much higher level of protection for this unique area of the world."
Around 5,000 species live on the Galapagos Islands, around 40 percent of which are unique to the islands. Aside from the Galapagos penguin and the flightless cormorant, other coastal species include the Galapagos sea lion, the Galapagos fur seal, and marine turtles.
For further information:
Peter Kramer: WWF's Network Relations Director and former President of the Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos: +41 78 743 5790
Sian Pullen: WWF's International Shipping Expert, contact through Anita Neville, Head of Press WWF UK, Tel: +44 1483 412 385
Shaleen Russell: Rapid Response Communications Manager, tel: +41 79 477 3553
