A new scientific campaign led by the **Galapagos Whale Shark Project** allowed the location of **twelve new specimens** of this species in the **Galapagos Marine Reserve**, as reported this week by the **Galapagos National Park [(GNP)](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/parque-nacional-galapagos-la-primera-area-protegida-de-ecuador/)**.
Among the records, the presence of an **adult male** stands out. Considered of special relevance, as **99% of historical sightings in the area correspond to females**.
Additionally, the team identified a **female marked 13 years ago**. This confirms the **ecological fidelity** of this migratory species to the archipelago, located **a thousand kilometers from the mainland coasts of Ecuador**.
Collaborative Science and Tracking Technology
During the operation, the following participated:
– Members of the **Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD)**
– Researchers from the **[Galapagos Science Center (GSC)](https://www.galapagosscience.org/)**, under the coordination of the **University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)** and the **University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)**
The team managed to **tag seven whale sharks with satellite devices** to monitor their movements and study displacement patterns within the **130,000 km²** of the marine reserve.
Since 2001, **758 whale sharks** have been recorded in this area, thanks to the contribution of **naturalist guides, divers, artisanal fishermen, and visitors**, whose collaboration has been essential to **strengthen monitoring and conservation systems**.
Marine Conservation and Informed Decisions
The director of Ecosystems at GNP, **Jenifer Suárez**, celebrated the discovery for its strategic value:
“It significantly strengthens our knowledge of whale shark ecology in Galapagos. Information is key to making more effective management decisions and ensuring the long-term conservation of this emblematic species.”
Whale sharks are **the largest species of fish in the world**, and although they are not dangerous to humans, their conservation depends on protecting migratory routes and key feeding areas such as the Galapagos.
Galapagos: Natural Heritage and Living Laboratory
Comprised of **13 major volcanic islands**, the archipelago was declared a **Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978**, and is recognized as a **natural laboratory** for its unique biodiversity.
It was the inspiration for the scientist **Charles Darwin**, who formulated his theory of **evolution by natural selection** there in the 19th century.
*Cover photo: EFE*
