Land continues to be cleared for farming and development, and the South Pacific waters around the islands are overfished. Fishing, both illegal and legal, is done by local, national and foreign boats. Species that had been abundant on the islands, such as giant tortoises, are now endangered as a result of hunting. Even though the islands are a park, the larger islands have farms, most of which are highly damaging to the rare environment and its wildlife. Farming is mostly done by Ecuadorians.
Tourism is managed by a healthy mixture of foreign, national and local operators.
The blue-footed booby resides in the Galapagos archipelago. Visitors are restricted to certain parts of some islands and park officials monitor boat landings. While most boats are well maintained and managed, some definitely aren't, said Wille. The pristine Galapagos, which float 597 miles west of Ecuador, are a biodiversity hotspot and one of the best places on Earth to see evolution in action. The islands are home to otherworldly wildlife, including sea lions, seals, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises.