It's Time To Take Action
Whether it's due to uncontrollable circumstances or poor behavior and action on our part, there are many sea creatures facing extinction if we don't act soon. To save these beautiful animals, we need to do our part to ensure that we're protecting all living things on this planet. Here are five endangered marine animals that need our help.
1. Vaquitas
Believed to be just a handful left in the world, vaquitas are a species of porpoise that are so rare, you've likely never heard of them before. They are currently listed as "critically endangered" due to the fishing industry. Now found solely in the Gulf of California, preservation is being done in hopes of saving this species.
Paula Olson, NOAA on Wikimedia
2. Great Hammerhead Sharks
With their uniquely shaped heads that you could recognize anywhere, you might not have known that great hammerhead sharks are an endangered species. Thanks to poor fishing practices and destroyed habitats, their population has been rapidly dwindling since 2019.
Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA on Wikimedia
3. Green Turtles
Sadly, because of terrible hunting practices, the destruction of nesting sites, and climate change, these adorable sea animals are at risk of becoming extinct. It's up to us to save them, as human pollution and bad fishing policies have decreased the green turtle population immensely.
4. European Eels
Due to a plethora of reasons like parasites and overfishing, the European eel population has significantly decreased - by potentially 90%! Though they are a pretty mysterious animal where not much about their history is known, conservation practices are still being done to reduce their risk of extinction.
5. Sunflower Sea Stars
These huge and colorful sea stars may be beautiful to look at, but they won't be around for much longer unless action is taken. Deemed critically endangered, drastic climate change is the main culprit behind their disappearing numbers.
