In an unbelievable turn of events, the collection of sea cucumbers is being permitted in Galapagos. The Minister of the Environment of Ecuador, Yolanda Kakabadse has approved the activity and announced open season on sea cucumbers in Galapagos for 60 days. Interestingly, this decision comes right on the heels of a report by Traffic International (an international organization concerned with the control of the commercialization of wildlife) about the illegal traffic in sea cucumbers. (CLICK FOR THE FULL STORY)

Between 1992 and 1996, 80 tons (or 4 million) sea cucumbers have been exported from Ecuador. Another 3 million were spoiled in processing. We have already witnessed how damaging this industry is. Unfortunately, the most damage potential is where the majority of the fishing takes place. The western islands of Galapagos such as Fernandina and Isabela are at great risk. This is not just from the sacking of the cucumbers but also from the destruction on shore by illegal camping, cutting of trees, and release of introduced organisms.

More on this unfortunate turn of events later.......

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