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Follow on Google News | ![]() Galapagos Small-Ship Cruise Operator, Ecoventura, Helps Study Effects of Galapagos Marine ReserveCompany’s Live-Aboard Dive Boat, the Galapagos Sky, Assists Scientists Who Need to Examine Habitats and Habits of Sharks
By: Widness & Wiggins PR This is the question posed by scientists of the Galapagos Science Center and the Galapagos community concerning the Galapagos Marine Reserve established in 1998 on a provisional basis because at the time there was a lack of scientific information on the local biodiversity. Fourteen years later, a barometer of the reserve’s success is how well – or not – the sharks are doing. Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com) In January 2012, the shark acoustic telemetry project outlined plans to begin working with the Galapagos Science Center and the Galapagos National Park to investigate habitat use and movement patterns of juvenile Blacktip sharks. The research project is calling on local volunteer professionals, including students, who in turn will educate and facilitate next-generation biologists and conservationists. The resulting data is expected to reveal where Blacktip sharks migrate alter leaving their nursery grounds and where and how extensive the nursery habitats are in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Scientists concurrently, using underwater photo and video equipment, will be studying, among others, the impacts of humans on sea turtle populations and the abundance and distribution of cetaceans (whales and dolphins). A spokesperson for Ecoventura, Doris Welsh, said that guests on board with the scientists “shared a high interest in conservation issues and research projects. Divers were happy to know that by booking with the Galapagos Sky they indirectly supported conservation projects in the Galapagos Islands, through Ecoventura’s collaborations and through their park entrance fees.” Welsh noted that research findings are still being analyzed. The principal scientific investigator is Maximilian Hirschfeld working with collaborating researchers Leandro Vaca Pita, Juan Pablo Munoz Perez and Jens Mayorga Molina. About Ecoventura: Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com/ To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2013 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/ # # # For photos and/or more information on how Ecoventura is making a difference in the Galapagos Islands please contact: Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com Website and Portfolio of Past Releases: http://www.travelnewssource.com/ Follow Widness & Wiggins PR on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ Ecoventura Contact: Doris Welsh Email: doris@galapagosnetwork.com Website: www.ecoventura.com/ Phone: 800.633.7972 Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ End
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