[The story behind the draw]
Pacific Green Sea Turtles are one of the most peaceful, majestic creatures in our oceans, their long flat flippers facilitating an ethereal glide through the chilly waters of the Galápagos Islands. Solitary and tranquil, they represent a kind of freedom.
Sadly, few underwater inhabitants are actually experiencing that freedom in real life.
A few weeks ago, illegal shark finning received some much-needed international media attention as hundreds of fishing boats converged on the animal-rich waters just outside the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Thousands of sharks were brutally murdered and found piled on the deck of a boat—the pictures are truly haunting, a stark reminder of our role in protecting the oceans from those who hold profit above animal welfare.
While it is SO important to shine a light on the unethical and destructive practices harming sharks, though, it’s also important to remember that sharks are far from the only marine species hurt by this practice—illegal fishing
Nets catch all variety of aquatic life, including fish, rays, and sea turtles—and the consequences are borne by the entire marine ecosystem.
Our oceans are full of incredible and unique species, but populations are in danger every single day that illegal fishing continues. We must all speak up and demand better for the sea turtles, rays, sharks, and countless other species affected.
👩🎨: @picasodive
Informing and sharing news on marine life, flora, fauna and conservation in the Galápagos Islands since 2017
© SOS Galápagos, 2021
SOS Galápagos | #sosgalapagos 