Recent studies by scientists from the University of Exeter have revealed that a significant number of marine mammals are on the brink of extinction. The main factors contributing to this alarming situation are climate change and fishing.
In the course of the study, specialists analyzed 126 species of marine mammals worldwide, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, manatees, dugongs, sea otters, and polar bears. Currently, 25% of these species are classified as "endangered."
“We have reached a critical point in marine mammal conservation,” said lead author Dr. Sarah Nelms. “The positive aspect is that only a few species of marine mammals have been driven to extinction in our time, but human activity poses serious threats to them.”
Scientists emphasize the need for urgent protective measures for these animals, such as implementing fishing restrictions and expanding protected areas. Additionally, they point out that about 21% of marine mammals are listed as "data deficient" in the Red List. This means that researchers lack sufficient information about these species, making their conservation difficult.
The "data deficient" category in the Red List is applied to species of animals, plants, or fungi for which there is insufficient information to make an accurate assessment of their vulnerability or risk of extinction. It is used in cases where data on distribution, population size, population trends, and other important aspects necessary for more accurate classification of species in the conservation category are lacking.
Reasons for including species in the "data deficient" category can vary, including limited research, lack of financial resources for assessment, difficulties in accessing the habitats of rare species, or issues with assessment methodology.
The authors of the study emphasize that their findings and recommendations should be urgently considered by world governments, as the results show that conservation efforts for certain species have already allowed for the recovery of populations of species such as the northern elephant seal, humpback whale, and Guadalupe fur seal.
5 Endangered Species
Many species of reef fish, such as surgeons, clownfish, and angelfish, are at risk due to illegal fishing, coral reef destruction, and changes in their habitat.
All seven species of sea turtles are endangered for various reasons, including bycatch in fishing nets, destruction of nesting sites, plastic pollution, and climate change.
In addition to sea turtles, other species of marine reptiles, such as marine iguanas and crocodiles, are also endangered due to habitat loss and other factors.
Some species of seals and walruses inhabiting Arctic and Antarctic waters also face the threat of extinction.
Many species of marine invertebrates, including corals, sea sponges, and mollusks, are at risk due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
