The Galapagos Sea Cucumber, commonly known as the brown sea cucumber, is a marine invertebrate found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, including the Galapagos Islands. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 29 meters, favoring rocky reefs with sandy patches. Physically, the brown sea cucumber has an elongated, soft body with a dark brown coloration and orange papillae (small, nipple-like projections). Adults average about 23 centimeters in length and weigh approximately 386 grams, though they can grow up to 40 centimeters and weigh as much as 830 grams. In the Galapagos, the brown sea cucumber has been subject to commercial fishing due to high demand in Asian markets, where sea cucumbers are considered a delicacy and are used in traditional medicine. This demand led to overfishing and significant population declines in the past. To address this, the Galapagos National Park Directorate has implemented strict regulations, including seasonal fishing bans and quotas, to promote population recovery and ensure sustainable harvesting practices. Conservation efforts continue to focus on monitoring populations, enforcing fishing regulations, and conducting research to better understand the species' biology and ecology, all aimed at preserving the brown Sea Cucumber's role in the Galapagos marine environment.