The
 Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands were first brought to the world’s 
attention as the site where Darwin tested his theory of evolution. Now, 
they are speaking of the fragile state of our seas as a new report in 
the journal Global Change Biology indicates that the Galapagos 
black-spotted damselfish , and a remarkable 
24-rayed starfish called
 Heliaster solaris are likely extinct as they have not been seen in the 
last 25 years. 
Rising ocean temperatures caused by global 
warming-induced El Niño weather events as well as excessive fishing are 
blamed for their disappearance as well as the decline of other species 
such as the Galapagos penguin and the Floreana cup coral. 
According
 to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, 
seven species from this famous ecosystem are possibly extinct while nine
 others are critically endangered. 
We are saddened to know of the 
perilous condition of the Galapagos and all marine life. Let us all act 
now to avert more losses by adopting considerate lifestyles that are in 
harmony with nature. 
During a May 2009 videoconference in Togo, 
while addressing the urgent need to act on the crisis facing our marine 
co-inhabitants, Supreme Master Ching Hai again called on all humanity to
 turn to life-sparing ways.
Supreme
 Master Ching Hai: The marine ecosystem is in big trouble right 
now from global warming already. If those fish are all gone, we will see
 a catastrophic loss of other marine species as well. The coastal 
ecosystems will also be affected greatly by diseases and algae blooms 
that release toxins. The ocean is a wonderful recycler that normally can
 purify the water and create nutrients and turn carbon dioxide into 
oxygen, etc. The ocean is a miracle. 
Supreme Master Ching Hai: It is in our interest to care 
for the oceans if we want to survive, and all the life that they 
contain, including fish. No animal products at all; that is the best 
way. We should be vegan. 
http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_14.html
 http://news.mongabay.com/2009/1203-hance_galapagos.html