Mosquera is a small sandy island with an area of 0.06 square kilometers between Baltra Island and Seymour Island. There is no path, only a sandbank where visitors have the opportunity to observe and even swim with sea lions from a large local colony.
Discover the fascinating family of sea lions on Mosquera Island: Marine mammals of the Otariidae family. They are known for their sleek and smooth bodies, external flippers, pointed snouts with whiskers, and a unique way of moving. These charming animals are a common sight along the coasts of the Galapagos Islands. Dive into their marine world and discover their beauty and playful personality.
Sea Lion Protection
Humans used to hunt sea lions for meat and oil, but their main target was the skin of the pups, known as "popos." This was used in the fur industry. Although direct hunting in Patagonia has ceased, sea lions still interact with various fisheries. During the 1990s, mortality rates were estimated for different fishing methods, with an annual total ranging between 150 and 600 individuals.
Although preliminary assessments have been conducted on incidental mortality in fishing, this issue has not yet been addressed by the fisheries management system. The accompanying fauna is not considered in the evaluation of fishery resources or in onboard observer programs, which primarily focus on the target species. Regarding tourism, although it is not perceived as a threat to conservation, it is important to note that new sea lion settlements are located in privately exploited areas, with little protection or supervision by park rangers or protected area management systems.
Here you can also observe birds such as herons, lava gulls, white ducks, and common sandpipers.
