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<TABLE width=85%><TR><TD><B><FONT SIZE=5 color="#003300">Issues</FONT></B><BR> <BR>
<FONT SIZE=5>F</FONT>ar from being an idyllic tropical paradise, the Galápagos is a region plagued by fire
and turmoil. There's the volcanic nature of its origins, as well as the
"struggle for survival" in the evolution of its wildlife. In addition, a number of critical
environmental issues confront it on a daily basis, issues which threaten its status as a global scientific resource. Fishermen vie for reduced <a href="harvest/harvest.html" tppabs="http://www.terraquest.com/galapagos/issues/harvest/harvest.html"><b>marine harvests</b>,</a> and
many seek short-term profits in the taking of endangered species such as <a href="harvest/cukes.html" tppabs="http://www.terraquest.com/galapagos/issues/harvest/cukes.html"><b>sea cucumbers</b></a>. Immigrants driven by <a href="pop/pop.html" tppabs="http://www.terraquest.com/galapagos/issues/pop/pop.html"><b>population pressures</b> </a> come from the
mainland of Ecuador looking for an easy living in the tourism industry or in illegal
fishing. And<a href="species/species.html" tppabs="http://www.terraquest.com/galapagos/issues/species/species.html"><b> introduced species</b></a> -- cats, rats, dogs, goats, burros and pigs --
damage the native vegetation that endemic creatures rely upon, and raid the nests
of the birds, iguanas and tortoises. This issue is of particular concern at<a href="species/alcedo.html" tppabs="http://www.terraquest.com/galapagos/issues/species/alcedo.html"><b> Alcedo Volcano</b></a>, on the island of Isabela.<p>
For Virtual Galápagos, we have enlisted the support of environmental activist
<a href="brower/brower.html" tppabs="http://www.terraquest.com/galapagos/issues/brower/brower.html"> <b>David Brower</b></a> to call attention to the plight of the islands today.
Although David had to change his travel plans at the last minute, he
will join us for a Live Chat on America OnLine <b>Sunday, May 26</b> at 9 pm
Eastern. Join us then for a three-way link between David Brower,
your own AOL connection and the TerraQuest Team in the field.<p> We
will also make a special visit to the <a href="darwin/darwin.html" tppabs="http://www.terraquest.com/galapagos/issues/darwin/darwin.html"><b>Charles Darwin Research Station</b></a> on Tuesday, May 21, with a Live Chat with "Lonesome George" at 12 Noon Eastern. The CDRS is at the forefront of international efforts
to protect the Galápagos. It is our hope that by turning the light of
the Internet on some of these concerns, we can draw the world's
attention to the issues confronting the Galápagos, and perhaps help
find some solutions -- for its native species, its human inhabitants,
and its future as well.
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