The BBC's standard-setting movie on Galapagos can now be seen on-line, free of charge (though I still recommend you try to see it on a big screen!).   I was still living in Galapagos when they started production, but it took them 3-4 years to complete it.   It's very well done, and covers not only the typical animal shots (all very well done), but also includes an important section on the conservation challenges.  It even covers the famous goat eradication project (my husband was in charge of fundraising for that $8 million dollar project).

A great introduction to those who haven't yet been (but don't forget, the wonderful shots took years of patience to capture - this is not done on a 1 week cruise...) and a great opportunity to reminisce for those who've been.

See the first part here.

The Galapagos National Park Service reported today on the first month of the lobster fishery in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, which was completed on October 1^st.  The season is open until January 31, 2011, or until it complies with the maximum catch quota set to 30 tons of red lobster. The spiny lobster has no quota.

Fish Monitoring department of the Galapagos National Park Service, which has monitored the development of this fishery, reported that during the first month 4,547 kilograms of lobster tails red lobster and 1,289 kilograms of green lobster were captured for a total of 5.7 metric tonnes (about the same as 5.7 US tons).

In the three ports authorized for landing marine product, we recorded the following data for lobster tails: Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) 2693 kilos, 1,658 kilos in Puerto Villamil (Isabela), and 1,385 kilos in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno ( San Cristóbal).

The Park also seized 124 kilos (apx. 260 pounds) of lobster tails, for various reasons: they did not meet the minimum size established for his capture (15 cm / 6 incn tail),  were carrying eggs, or their tail fins had been brushed or cut.

UNESCO's report on the state of conservation of Galapagos was made public recently.  It can be accessed by clicking here.

The 35 page report was written after a team of experts visited the site in April/May of this year.   The report highlights a number of issues, noting some progress in certain areas, and also places where significantly more work was needed.   CNH Tours recommends this report as good reading for those interested in learning about the conservation challenges in the islands.

A brief but aggressive protest by the police in Ecuador, which took place on Thursday, September 30th, quickly came to an end later the same day.   President Correa was briefly held captive by the police - but was soon rescued by the Ecuadorian military.   Airports were closed for the day, causing temporary chaos for travelers on their way to or from Galapagos.   Things came back to normal on the following day.