Cisne Zambrano

Cisne Zambrano is a young conservationist from the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. From very early on, Cisne has shown interest in being part of environmental conservation initiatives. During her university studies, she got involved as a volunteer in various research and social engagement projects. This is how Cisne gained experience in field and laboratory work with species such as rays, sea lions, sea turtles, and fish. She conducted her first research on a fish species of commercial interest in her community, the mottled scorpionfish (Pontinus clemensi), focusing on its feeding habits.
Cisne enjoys engaging in activities in the sea such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and diving. In 2020, she was awarded an Open Water Training Grant by the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF), which enabled her to finance her initial diving training.
Our Darwin Leader is always willing to learn new things and take on challenges that take her outside her comfort zone, intending to pursue professional, but also personal growth. Currently, Cisne is preparing to become one of the naturalist guides and, of course, ambassadors of the Galapagos Heritage. In the near future, she aspires to enroll in a master's program and continue her role in generating knowledge. Her project with Darwin200 focuses on the generation of mitigation strategies to address the incidental capture of manta rays in the sea of Peru, in collaboration with the NGO Planeta Oceano.

LOCATION:	Callao	AREA OF STUDY:	Manta rays
NATIONALITY:	Ecuador	SPONSOR:	Planeta Oceano
FILMMAKER:	Elliot Connor

START DATE:	24th March
END DATE:	7th April
LOCATION:	Callao
END POINT:	Ecuador

AREA OF STUDY:	Manta rays
SPONSOR:	Planeta Oceano
FILMMAKER:	Elliot Connor

Area of Study: Manta Rays

The giant manta ray (Mobula birostris) is an endangered species with declining populations worldwide. A significant manta population migrates into Peru, where they face both intentional and incidental capture in fisheries. Since 2012, Planeta Océano has led conservation efforts, securing legal protection for mantas in Peru, including a ban on their capture and consumption. However, mantas continue to be caught in small-scale gillnet fisheries in northern Peru, which poses risks to their already small population, especially pregnant females. These entanglements can also damage fishermen’s nets, leading to economic losses of up to USD 1500 per interaction. While the situation remains a challenge, things are beginning to turn around as fishermen are increasingly showing the way to protect these magnificent animals. Reducing bycatch is critical for sustainable fisheries and local livelihoods, making the implementation of mitigation measures urgent. Cisne Zambrano is a conservationist from the Galapagos Islands. Passionate about environmental conservation from a young age, she has volunteered in various research projects involving rays, sea lions, sea turtles, and fish. Her first research focused on the feeding habits of the mottled scorpionfish. Always eager to learn and grow, Cisne is preparing to become a naturalist guide in the Galapagos and now pursues a master’s degree.