Santa Cruz, March 14, 2024
Official Letter MAATE-PNG/DIR-2024-0184-O
GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK DIRECTORATE
SUBJECT: LIFT OF THE IMMEDIATE CLOSURE MEASURE OF PUNTA ESPINOSA (FERNANDINA ISLAND) AND BAHIA URBINA (ISABELA ISLAND)
As part of the Official Letter MAATE-PNG/DIR-2024-0150-O, dated March 11, 2024, through which it was reported about the “IMMEDIATE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PUNTA ESPINOSA (FERNANDINA ISLAND) AND BAHIA URBINA (ISABELA ISLAND) DUE TO EMERGING BIOSECURITY MEASURES”, to prevent damage to the fragile biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands due to the presumption of contagion of Avian Influenza, the Galapagos National Park Directorate, through the corresponding technical team and the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Regulation and Control Agency, took samples on site and carried out analysis, resulting in NEGATIVE for Avian Influenza H5N1.
Given this, as of this date, the preventive measure is lifted and the land activities have resumed at the aforementioned tourist sites of Punta Espinosa (on Fernandina Island) and Bahia Urbina (on Isabela Island). However, it is recommended to maintain and strengthen biosafety protocols for tourists: disinfection of clothing, footwear and equipment when disembarking and/or embarking in seabird areas.
Document made based on the official letter MAATE-PNG/DIR-2024-0184-O. For more information, please refer to official government media or contact us at: info@fragatayachtgalapagos.com or info@golondrinayachtgalapagos.com
The Frigate Bird: In the Enchanted Islands there are two species, the Magnificent and the Great Frigate Bird (the latter being considered an endemic subspecies to the archipelago).
In the Galapagos Islands, we can find 56 native bird species, 45 of which are endemic, meaning they are exclusive to the archipelago.
