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 In
March 1998, Ecuador created one of the world’s largest protected
areas: the 133,000 square kilometer Galapagos Marine Reserve. The
Reserve supports some of the best known coastal fauna of
Galapagos, such as the sea lion, fur seal, penguin, flightless
cormorant, albatross, three species of booby and two of
frigatebird, sea turtle, and the extraordinary marine iguana.
Galapagos waters are also renowned for their large marine animals,
notably cetaceans and sharks, some of them forming large
underwater clouds. But this spectacular wildlife is just the most
visible part of a complex and unique ecosystem.
There are so many marine species in Galapagos
because of the cold ocean currents that bring rich nutrients for
food, and the great variety of habitats: coral reefs, mangrove
lagoons, rocky areas and sandy beaches. Many other species depend
on the Galapagos marine life for their food, such as sea birds
that eat fish, and the marine iguanas that feed on algae growing
on the bottom of the sea.
 Marine
life in the Galapagos waters is closely related to the life on the
islands. Island animals depend on the ocean. Birds and animals
existing near the water has a variety of distinctive habitats and
endemic species including the world's only sea-going lizard, the
Marine Iguana. Other notable wildlife includes the Sea Lion, Fur
Seal, Galapagos Penguin, Flightless Cormorant, Waved Albatross,
Lava Gull and Swallow-Tailed Gull.
The waters surrounding the Galapagos are home
to 3000 species of Hammerhead Sharks by K. Wilson marine plants
and animals. Diving in the Galapagos is quickly expanding; divers
seek the experience of spectacular marine life including Whale
Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Hammerheads, Manta Rays and Leopard
Rays.
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Galapagos
National Park
Marine
Reserve