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Notice to Research Vessel Operators No. 52

Subject: Galapagos Islands Research - II
Released by the Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, December 12, 1978.

Recently, two unfortunate incidents have made future U.S. research cruises to the Galapagos Islands highly tenuous. Both incidents involved personnel from U.S. research vessels painting graffiti on rocks in Tagus Cove. As could probably be expected, the culprits included the names of the ships in the graffiti so as to make tracing the offenders an easy matter for Ecuadorian officials. One of the incidents resulted in a fine and cleanup costs totaling $1100; the second case is being prosecuted.

These two acts of vandalism are particularly stressing to me because it puts the Embassy and the Department of State in an awkward position. In our diplomatic clearance requests we stress the high caliber people involved in the research and the quality of the institutions. It is unfortunate, but true, that acts of one or two can individuals can discredit the institutions, all US researchers, and the US agencies involved in acquiring the clearance. It is possible that Ecuador will ban these vessels from. conducting future research in their waters and it will certainly make acquiring clearance a much more difficult matter. I would not be surprised if Ecuador issues more stringent regulations for conducting research, which may include bonds or guarantees to cover costs of vandalism.

I urge that all vessel operators, scientists, and institution administrators fully brief all persons associated with a Galapagos cruise on the consequences of violating any of the Park regulations that were provided in NERVE #49 of May 25, 1978. I would speculate that another act, such as described in this notice, would result in a ban of all US research vessels from the Galapagos Islands. The seriousness of this should not be underestimated.

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