New Hammerhead Shark Breeding Area Found | Travel Blog

A new breeding are for endangered hammerhead sharks has been discovered off Santa Cruz Island; the area is home to about 20 sharks. This refugee is the second known of protection for this shark specie.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature considers the hammerhead shark an endangered species. They are not particularly fertile reproducers, and combined with a demand for their fins in Asia, the species is vulnerable.

Researches have placed tracking devices to 5 of the juvenile sharks in order to monitor their behavior within their habitat. Ecuador established in 2016 a large Marine Reserve to protect this threatened species and is home to over 2800 individuals.

Eduardo Espinoza, head researcher said that this is an effort to provide a safe environment for this and other species to thrive in the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Archipelago. Conservation of the National Park has been a difficult task so far due to many factors like illegal fishing, over-population and insertion of foreign species by national authorities and international organizations are working strenuously to maintain the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Islands.

The Galapagos is truly a natural paradise on Earth, and is our commitment to guard and respect its unique and biodiverse wildlife. Enjoy the marvels of the Archipelago while cruising in one of our recommended boats: Ocean Spray, Infinity, Endemic, Sea Star Journey, Galapagos Legend, Tip Top II, Beagle.

Hammerhead sharks are difficult to easily spot when cruising the Galapagos; but if you are an eager and expert open-waters diver, there are great possibilities to spot them especially around Darwin and Wolf Islands when taking a full diving live-aboard cruise with yachts like the Nortada or the Aggressor.