Coastal Ecuador's wildlife and fishing communities are facing multiple, urgent threats to their survival. If left unchecked, climate change, pollution, illegal fishing, and the degradation of coastal habitats could spell disaster for the region known as the "Gateway to the Galapagos". WildAid Marine and our local partners have worked diligently for the past six years to protect the region’s wildlife and stop illegal fishing, yet threats remain.
WildAid Marine is raising much-needed funds to purchase new patrol boats for local community rangers who protect the coastal mangrove forests from illegal activity. Mangroves are vital for healthy oceans and communities. They support wildlife by serving as nursery grounds for dozens of marine animals; they mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering ‘blue carbon’ and absorbing storm surges; and they support local communities by providing crabs and other shellfish targeted by artisanal fishers. Illegal logging of mangroves and poaching threaten the vitality of this important ecosystem. Local rangers urgently need a boat to access and protect remote sections of the coastal mangrove forests.
As a thank you for your gift:
- All $25+ donors will receive an invitation to a virtual tour of one of the boats in action.
- Donate $250 or more to participate in a poll to help our team pick names for the boats.
- Donate $1,000 or more to have your name engraved on a boat plaque.
- The first person whose donation puts us past our $30k goal will receive a WildAid hat.
The Boats:
- One fiberglass boat, approx. 8 meters long
- Two 75 horsepower engines
- Cost = $30,000
Thanks to an extremely generous donor, if we raise $30k they will match an additional $30k towards the campaign which allows us to acquire an additional patrol boat. That means your donation will drive double the impact and double the marine protection. All additional funds over $60K will be used to support local rangers' most urgent needs, including patrol boats for our other sites. Donate today and share our campaign so that our rangers have the support they need!
Donations will go towards a similar boat model as pictured:
WildAid's mission is to protect wildlife from illegal trade and other imminent threats. We do this through global public awareness campaigns, field conservation programs, and enforcement of priority marine areas. We can't do this alone, you can make a difference for our local partners in coastal Ecuador by donating today!
About the Site:
Ecuador’s Pacific Coast is home to some of the most magnificent animals in the world: five species of sea turtles, 20 species of whales and dolphins, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and the largest remaining population of oceanic manta rays in the world. In addition, nearly 90,000 artisanal fishers and their families live along the coast and depend on fish for food and livelihoods.
About WildAid Marine:
Our oceans are in trouble. Climate change, coastal development, pollution, and over-fishing seriously threaten their long-term sustainability, yet only 2.7% of global waters are fully protected. Safeguarding our seas is essential to the survival of wildlife, ecosystems, fisheries, and the coastal communities who depend on them for food and livelihoods.
With 20 years of on-the-water experience in 16 countries, WildAid Marine is a global leader in marine compliance and enforcement. We design and apply effective enforcement solutions to deter illegal fishing and strengthen the protection of priority marine areas. By helping prevent illegal fishing, we can create abundant, healthy oceans where wildlife is safe from poaching.
For more information about WildAid Marine, please visit our website, and to receive our latest news please sign up for our newsletter here.
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