A new breeding area for scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) was discovered in the coastal area of ​​Santa Cruz Island during a recent monitoring expedition of juvenile sharks and sea turtles organized by the Galápagos National Park Directorate (GNPD).

Eduardo Espinoza, the park ranger leading the expedition, commented: “Approximately 20 hammerheads, between neonates and juveniles, were counted in this sector. Five of them were fitted with internal and external identification devices for follow-up and further studies, with the goal to help this species to recover through management actions and measures to protect these ecosystems.”

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, scalloped hammerhead sharks are Endangered due to their slow growth, low reproductive capacity, and mass over-fishing. Their populations have declined by more than 90% worldwide.

Content based on a press release from the Galápagos National Park Directorate, translated with their permission.