11 Marine Animals in the World that Killing Quickly

11 Marine Animals in the World that Killing Quickly

Animals in the wild, and in our oceans particularly, are faced with incredible threats caused by humans, and it’s only a matter of time before our actions reap repercussion. Here are 11 marine animals the world is quickly killing. 

1. Krill

Since 2010 the world catch of Antarctic krill has grown by 40 percent; that is, 300,000 tons of krill are caught annually, as the benefits of krill are earning global recognition.

This endless supply of renewable protein doesn’t seem so endless as of late, and over-fishing, ocean acidification, and changes to the climate are causing krill to deplete at an alarming rate, which in turn is having a drastic effect on the planet’s marine ecosystem as a whole.

2. Coral

Image by:flickr

Ocean acidification, commercial fishing, coastal development, agricultural runoff, and snorkelers and divers who tamper with the great reefs also tamper with their overall health.

Pollution caused by people affects the surface of the sea, blocking the sunlight from photosynthesis and causing temperatures to rise or dip.

Coral is so sensitive that a slight change from even 1 to 2 degrees Celsius can force coral to expel their algae counterpart, leaving their white skeletons visible in an unfortunate process known as “bleaching.”

3. The Reef Manta Ray

Image by: flickr

Reef Manta Rays are threatened by hunting as well as the common misfortune of becoming bycatch. Found in the tropic and subtopic waters of the Indo-Pacific, these beauties are known to glide across the ocean floor batting their wing-like fins in graceful strides.

Seemingly they are harmed less by marine predators than by poachers, they are marked as vulnerable due to the depletion of their population at an alarming rate.

Related: 10 Scary Sea Creatures in the World

4. Manatees

These gentle giants are highly threatened and waning greatly as they continue to fall victim to climate change, pollution, boat strikes and habitat loss due to commercial development.

What’s more, manatee populations are at great risk due to algae intoxication, as the colorful kingdoms of coral are becoming endangered as well.

Manatees are herbivores and feed on over 60 species of aquatic plants and algae found in their natural environment, so no more plants mean no more manatee.  Currently, there are less than 3000 of these sweet beasts left to graze the open seas.

5. The Penguin

The only penguin species found north of the equator, this special species has fallen victim to climate change, overfishing, and domestic dogs introduced to the islands. There is only 2000 left of these birdies.

6. Hector’s Dolphins

Image by: flickr

With death by net as their biggest avenger, trawl fisheries are also to blame for the significant decline in the dolphin population.

A subspecies of Hector’s Dolphin, Maui’s dolphin, is the most endangered by far— according to a 2001 survey by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the estimated number of this species is at a heartbreaking 55.

Related: Top 10 Most Poisonous Fish in the World

7. The Sea Turtle 

Several issues challenge the sea turtle’s survival— habitat destruction, accidental capture by fishermen or their gear, and climate change are just a few factors leading to the decline of the sea turtle.

The fact that they are hunted doesn’t help, as a turtle’s meat, skin, and shell make them long-time victims of poaching and over-exploitation.

8. Blue Fin Tuna

Image by: flickr

With so much meat to go around, it doesn’t help the bluefin tuna is delicious and highly sought after in the culinary realm. Today, there are only 25,000 left of this warm-blooded fish species, and they continue to diminish at a devastating rate.

9. Sharks

Found in every inch of water around the world, these alpha predators are perishing expansively due to threats caused by fishing gear, poaching, pollution, climate change and of course, the diner’s dark delicacy: shark fin soup.

With 3,500 of these majestic animals left, there are a few simple solutions to preserving their presence, one main being the abolition of restaurants who serve the only soup without a soul.

Related: 12 Most Bizarre Shoreline Beach Finds

10. The Whale

These beasts are dying off due to fishing entanglement, gas and oil development, as well as climate changes. This man-made mess is causing loss of habitat and food supply to the whale species, as krill— their main source of food— is dying out.

11. The Vaquita

Image by: flickr

More and more of the special species are dying off as they are often caught and drowned in gillnets used by illegal fishing operations within Mexico’s Gulf of California.

Despite these waters being marine protected sanctuaries, poachers always prevail. Due to careless efforts, the porpoise population has drastically dwindled over the years.

Vaquitas are found close to the shore in the shallow waters of the Gulf; they are a shy species, quick to swim away if boats venture near. Reports from last year determined there were only 30 vaquitas left in the world; today, there are only 12 remaining.

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