The boat's scientific counterpart is Miguel Trivino, Biologist and one of the most experienced dive instructors on Sky Dancer's crew. Specific dates for the data and specimen collection are still to be determined. Some time in the next year, there are plans to finish a Dive Site Guide Book authorized by the Galapagos National Park.

Peter Hughes Diving along with the owners and crew of the M/V Sky Dancer are working in cooperation and support of the Charles Darwin Research Station which has a commitment with the Ecuadorian government to assist them in the conservation of the Galapagos ecosystems. M/V Sky Dancer's support will be in the transportation of two scientists on the trips that M/V Sky Dancer does to Darwin and Wolf in order for their staff to do research.

The proposed project is to use Gal‡pagos coral reefs as model systems for assessing impacts of prolonged heating, not only on coral species but also on the associated fish and invertebrate assemblages that they support. They also propose to investigate ways to mitigate impacts through: (i) manipulation of sea urchin grazers (implicated previously as directly responsible for destruction of reef framework once corals are stressed by bleaching), (ii) control of tourist and fishing activities, particularly at times when coral habitats are suffering from extreme environmental stress, and (iii) identification of thermal resistant coral clones for reseeding.

The primary objectives of this study are: (1) to document the extent and magnitude of the disturbance of the developing El Ni–o on coral and coral-associated species, (2) evaluate the responses of the community during and after the warming period, (3) determine coral reef recruitment and recovery processes, (4) monitor the impact of the echinoid population on stressed coral reefs, (5) study the ecological significance of extensive reef-coral mortality, (6) assess genetic variability amongst corals and identify thermal tolerant clones for reseeding, (7) estimate the impact of diving tourism and fishing upon coral reef systems in Darwin and Wolf, and (8) draft threat abatement plans for Gal‡pagos coral reefs.

The specific region of the proposed research will be around the northern islands of Darwin and Wolf, the only sites with extensive coral structures remaining in the Gal‡pagos, and which up to now have been largely inaccessible. These unique remaining reefs need immediate action to prevent further degradation. Isla Darwin, the northernmost island of the archipelago, has two rare species of corals ö Pavona maldivensis and an apparently undescribed Leptoseris sp., both found nowhere else in the Gal‡pagos.

This integrated Gal‡pagos study forms part of a larger study of impacts and remediation of coral reefs through the Mesoamerican region coordinated under a large NSF Grant by Dr Peter Glynn. In Gal‡pagos, results of scientific studies will be disseminated to the local population, stakeholder groups, and for the benefit of management through the unique advisory position of the Charles Darwin Foundation.

CDF runs the Fisheries Monitoring Program for the archipelago, and also provides virtually all the technical advice received by the Gal‡pagos Participatory Management Board ö the local management body responsible for all decisions pertaining to the Gal‡pagos Marine Reserve ö including direct participation through one of five seats on this Board.