Rapid climate change vs evolution.
The Galapagos cormorant has evolved to thrive in an environment where they can feed near the coast outside the islands where they live. Their wings have shrunk to a third of the size needed for flight and they have become very efficient swimmers. Rapid climate change threatens to disrupt the cold currents that bring nutrient-rich water so close to their remote island home. It is now possible that the millions of years of evolution that have made them so successful in this specific environment will put them at a life-threatening disadvantage.
Reportage: Simon Stanford
Photo: Simon Stanford
Underwater photo: Johan Candert, Göran Ehlmé
Editor: Helena Fredriksson
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07:48
Legendary oceanographer, Sylvia Earle first visited the Galapagos Islands in 1966 and described it as, “the sharkiest fishiest place I’ve ever been.” In July 2022 we return to this special place on a research boat chartered by Dr. Earle’s Mission Blue foundation. The expedition is tasked with checking key environmental health indicators on the 25th anniversary of the Galapagos being declared a marine protected area…
Reportage: Simon Stanford
photo: Johan Candert, Göran Ehlmé, Simon Stanford
Editor: Helena Fredriksson
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Text: Johan Candert
Photo: Johan Candert, Göran Ehlmé, Simon Stanford
8:36
After a week filming on board the research ship Argo in the Galapagos Islands I finally had my first opportunity to go ashore. I accompanied marine biologist, Doctor Susana Cardenas and Park ranger Alberto Proaño on a trip to Fernandina Island. They were there to tag and to take samples from 2 endemic bird species, the Galapagos flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin…
Text: Simon Stanford
Photo: Simon Stanford
Editor: Helena Fredriksson