A COMMENT ON SCIENCE, FROM GODFREY MERLEN

July 17 will be a date to be remembered in Galapagos science for, by chance or Galapagos spirit, Antje Steinfurth and Noemi d'Ozouville, two female PhD students, will simultaneously defend their doctoral thesis, in Germany and France respectively, concerning Galapagos ecosystems. They have both dedicated more than four arduous years to their research, spending much time in the field and, at the same time, developing close contacts with the local community and its institutions.

It is only through this unique relationship between scientific endeavor, which provides fundamental data, and sharing it, that essential management questions can be solved. For, if pure science is considered the unbiased search for truth then there is a vital need for it in Galapagos where often truth is not to be found. And within that truth lies the key to positive action.

Antje's study of the Galapagos penguins identified shifts in breeding centres for these rare and remarkable tropical flightless birds, giving excellent new information for management of this vulnerable species. At the same time cats were discovered preying on penguins at Caleta Iguana which gave the Park Service vital information for the control of these predators. Thus a purely scientific study becomes a useful tool for management.

Noemi's study of the functioning of the water cycle on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands has not only brought to light (for the first time) the nature of the watersheds and their relationship to the geologic structure of the islands, but also details of the water balance, and the true structure of the basal aquifers and perhaps the presence of perched aquifers. This is vital information for management of this precious resource which to date has had no management at all. This has consequences for the protection of Park land, where the watersheds are principally found, and the grave risks faced by development and water contamination in aquifers.

To have available quick, young, and dedicated scientific minds is of great advantage to Galapagos and enriches our knowledge. To fund these kinds of studies is not within the capability of local institutions and thus is "free" information leading to better management. It is worth considering making more use of high level education to provide insight into many questions that affect the islands and perhaps funds should be sought to ensure that this level of information is available through PhD's and passed on the those who are faced with often complex management decisions. Agile minds are the source of answers.

Godfrey Merlen
Puerto Ayora
Santa Cruz
Galápagos

For further information on a special project "Guaranteeing the future" or to donate online, visit Current Programmes, or contact the GCT office by emailing gct@gct.org or phone 020 7629 5049.

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