Galapagos Islands

• Situated within the pacific ocean and are a province of Ecuador. 

  A UNESCO world heritage site.
• 97% of the land is declared a national park.
• Population increasing 8% per year due to immigration.
• Global importance due to unique and rare species and natural beauty.
• A biodiversity hotspot due to the high numbers of unique species coexisting. Few large land mammals/ apex predators.
• El Nino event causes less upwelling of nutrients to occur and therefore knock on effect on food chains: no albatross hatched one year and only 25% of penguins as a result.
• Alien/ invasive animals have been introduced such as rats which feed on eggs of turtles, tortoise and birds.
• Alien/ invasive plants have been introduced which outcompete original plants. Leads to specially adapted animals not being able to depend on them.
• Illegal fishing leading to a sparse population and less sea bird numbers. Death of dolphins and sea lions accidently and poor regulation and fines.
• Oil spills e.g. the Jessica oil spill which killed marine life such as sea lions.

  Climate change and sea level rise.
• Tourism leading to demand for hotels, recourses, increased land use.
• Entrance fee for entering the park which is put towards maintenance.

  Strict rules for visitors: staying on marked trails, no pets, no removal of any natural objects.
• Zoning strategy. Only allowing certain numbers of visitors in different areas and restricting some areas for simply scientific and indigenous use.
• Patrol boat and restricted fishing areas but rules are constantly breached. Small scale local fishing is negligible but commercial long line or net fishing has serious implications for the ecosystem.
• Charles Darwin research centre: monitors and records populations and advises the government on policy. Educates visitors.