LONESOME George, the world’s last remaining Pinta Island tortoise, is doubtless oblivious to the drama unfolding around him. But a stand-off between fishermen and researchers in the Galapagos Islands is threatening his very existence.
Some 200 fishermen have blockaded the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz island, preventing staff from entering. Other scientists are holed up, fearing that if they leave, George and the other animals kept for conservation or breeding programmes will go hungry.
The fishermen are protesting at fishing quotas imposed by the Ecuadorian government, which administers the islands. The quotas will restrict catches of sea cucumbers,…
