9 Endangered Marine Species

So by this time if anything, I think I’ve made it very clear how important the ocean is to us. But it’s obviously not only important to us, its important to the marine life that actually live there. As I was thinking about this, I was thinking, what are some of the most endangered ocean species and animals, so I did a little research to figure it out. Although not all of the species are endangered specifically because of pollution of the ocean its still really important to talk about, and ocean pollution isn’t helping.

First on the list is the Hawksbill Turtle. In the last century alone the Hawksbill population has decreased by 80%! That’s almost uncomprehendable! 80% is such a HUGE percentage, its pretty unbelievable that it could even get that bad. One reason for the drastic decline is for some time Hawksbill Turtles were the subject of much trafficking for their meat and shells. Although the practice of harvesting the eggs is banned in most countries, as we’ve talked about in class with some fishing practices, it’s really hard to regulate and make sure it is completely banned. Another big reason for the decline is the degradation of coral reefs, which Hawksbill turtles feed on. Next is the Steller Sea Lion. Since the 60s the Steller Sea Lion population has decrease by 60% from both natural and human causes. 60% is still a pretty big number, that’s still over half! Like I said, the decrease is due to both natural and human causes. One example of a natural cause for the decline are that Steller Sea Lions are at a very high risk for being hunted by Killer Whales. And some human threats are that Alaskans and Canadians harvest these sea lions for the meat, oil, hides and other by-products. Next are the Hammerhead Sharks, which endangered mostly due to finning. Although it is banned in most countries, it still happens frequently, therefore making them endangered. Coming in at number 4 are Vaquitas. They are the smallest and most endangered cetacean. Their endangeredness is due to the use of gill-netting for fishing. Although gill-netting stopped in 1970 the population has still been declining. There are an estimated 500-600 Vaquita left and will soon be extinct if something isn’t done soon. Next is the Blue Whale. Commercial hunting has made this species endangered. An international ban was constituted in 1966 in an effort so save the Blue Whale. Only 3000-5000 are left in the world, and many other efforts to save them have been put in to effect as well. Number 6 are Florida Manatees. These are endangered due to loss of their habitats and high rates of stillbirths, as well as pollution from pesticides and herbicides. There are only around 3,200 left. Next are the Hawaiian Monk Seal, found around the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Endangered due to human activities such as hunting them for mean, oil, skin, and the ciguatera poisoning. As well as an overwhelming male population compared to the female population, starvation, and predators such as Tiger and Galapagos Sharks. Only about 1,100 are left and in extreme risk of becoming extinct. Next on the list are the Kemp’s Riley Turtles. They are endangered because of habitat loss, ocean pollution, and getting tangled up in fishing nets. Only 500 are believe to be left and are at a very great risk of being extinct if something isn’t done soon! Number 9 and last on the list are the Humpback Whales. Before the whaling moratorium in 1966 they were hunted for their fur and flesh for meat and the population dropped by 90%!! How crazy!!! That’s a huge chunk of the population! It’s hard to imagine any population being able to bounce back from that. There are now about 2,500 worldwide but there are still accidental things like collisions with vessels and getting tangled up with shrimping gear along with ocean pollution that keep the population at a high risk of becoming extinct.

http://www.marineinsight.com/marine/environment/10-endangered-ocean-species-and-marine-animals/