dogs and cats that proved many pathogens are exposed to them and this could result in the fur seals being at risk of getting infected by them. Both Galápagos fur seals and sea lions were tested to see if they had strains that were susceptible to the bacterium and from the results of a PCR analysis, it was found that 70% of the tissue samples had the presence of multiple strains. In the past few years the presence of these strains could have resulted in lower mortality rates for the sea lions. If sea lions are infected by this in the future, this could affect fur seals as well since sea lions have specific regional movements which will most likely have a huge contribution to the spreading of these pathogens as they may infect multiple fur seal colonies. The Galápagos fur seal's health was also exposed to danger by chemical pollution such as chemical attacks by hydrocarbons, metals, oil spills, and other organics pollutants referred to as POPs. The two most popular POPs that threatened the fur seals are toxic and bioaccumulative. This was found out through the discovery of different pesticides in the fur seals raising many concerns for their health. Status Galápagos fur seals have had a declining population since the 19th century. Thousands of these seals were killed for their fur in the 1800s by poachers. Starting in 1959, Ecuador established strict laws to protect these animals. The government of Ecuador declared the Galápagos Islands a national park, and since then no major poaching has occurred. Despite the laws, another tragic blow to their population occurred during the 1982–1983 El Niño weather event. Almost all of the seal pups died, and about 30% of the adult population was wiped out. Since 1983, no major calamity has occurred to decrease their population significantly. Efforts Under the IUCN red list, Galápagos fur seals are classified as an endangered species due to the fluctuation in their population and the decline in their population size over the past 30 years. The seals are now fortunately protected by Ecuadorian law as is most of their habitat. They are also fortunately protected under the Special Law of the National Park and Galápagos Marine Reserve. This National Park was established in 1959 along with the Ecuadorian Law. This was important because it meant there was more management and protection of the area as well