It must be a year since the Galapagos Islands were threatened by an oil spill, have there been any long-term affects

A.� It was on January 16th of this year that the oil tanker Jessica ran aground off the eastern island of San Cristobal, leaking 1,000 000 litres of oil into the waters off the islands.

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Q.� What species were considered threatened

A.� The islands, made famous after Charles Darwin's evolutionary theories were published, are considered one of the most precious habitats on Earth. Nearly all of its reptiles and half of its insects and birds cannot be found anywhere else.

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Galapagos National Park officials were particularly concerned that oil would sink to the ocean floor and destroy algae that is vital to the food chain, threatening marine iguanas, rare tortoises, sharks, birds and other species.

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Q.� What are the results so far

A.� The good news is that so far the effects upon wildlife haven't been extensive although the environmental monitoring of the ecosystems will be a long-term process. In total a dozen or so pelicans died and oil had to be cleaned from the eyes of some seals. Perhaps one of the worst things that happen is that the islands reputation as being unspoilt has been dented.

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Q.� Why wasn't the spill as bad as first feared

A.� Fortunately the majority of the oil was dispersed by favourable winds and currents before it could acre ate into a dangerously large mass. Additionally a hot equatorial sun also helped to evaporate the slick.

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Q.� Are there any positive outcomes from the spill

A.� It did jolt the islands officials into being more prepared for future disasters. Also a review of international shipping regulations was called for, with the aim of banning single hulled tankers.

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by Lisa Cardy