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Here is the official logo for Sea Guards

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Here is the official logo for Sea Guards

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Here is an article about these poor animals (again)

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Here is an article about these poor animals (again)

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The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law on December 28, 1973 by President Nixon. Over 2,000 species are currently on the ESA, and they are separated into "Threatened" and "Endangered" species. Endangered species are in danger of going extinct, while Threatened species are approaching Endangered status. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages those animals and plants listed that are found on land and in freshwater, and 137 marine species are managed by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Species that spend only part of their life cycle in the ocean, like salmon and sea turtles, are managed by both! Although marine species only make up around four percent of the the total species on the endangered species list, that doesn't mean that most are doing fine. The ocean can be a difficult place to study and data about the animals there may be lacking.

Many marine species have ranges that extend beyond national borders, and trade in endangered species is a global phenomenon. In these cases, protecting threatened and endangered species is helped by international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the International Whaling Commission. For example, about one-fourth of the ESA listed species are not found in in the U.S. and its waters, but are protected in conjunction with CITES.

Blue Whales
Credit: Jeremy Goldbogen

The largest of the whales, scientists estimate that there are between 5,000 and 12,000 blue whales throughout the ocean today. Whaling greatly depleted their population in the early 1900s. Although commercial whaling doesn't occur today, blue whales are still killed by getting caught in fishing gear, or from ship strikes. Here, a researcher places a tag on the large whale to track its movement.

Right Whales
Credit: Moira Brown/New England Aquarium

The rarest of all the large whales, there are three distinct species of right whales- North Atlantic, North Pacific and Southern, all of which are endangered. It's estimated that only around 450 North Atlantic right whales remain after being hunted for their oil and baleen for generations. As with blue whales, the two primary threats to right whales today are ship strikes and entanglement with fishing gear. New shipping regulations in the waters off New England, including speed limits and recommended routes, are thought to be helping this species begin to recover.

Staghorn & Elkhorn Coral
Credit: Albert Kok

Staghorn (seen here) and elkhorn corals are listed as Threatened under the ESA, as their numbers have fallen catastrophically due to disease. Listed in 2006, they were the only coral species under protection until 2014, when 20 other coral species were listed as threatened for a total of 22 species. Both staghorn and elkhorn coral are found in Caribbean waters and reproduce when bits of their branches break off and reattach to a hard surface. They also can reproduce through spawning, but only do so on a few days each year.

Johnson's Seagrass
Credit:
Lori Morris, St. Johns River Water Management District

Johnson's seagrass is the lone ocean plant listed under the Endangered Species Act. Its flowing green stalks play an important role in coastal ecosystems where they act as nursery grounds for small larval fish, and are eaten by the also-endangered West Indian manatee and green sea turtle. Already the rarest seagrass in the U.S. due to its limited distribution, it is threatened by disturbance from boats, dredging, storm waves, and poor water quality.

The Vaquita
Credit: Thomas Jefferson

The vaquita (Spanish for "little cow") is the world's smallest porpoise and usually grows only 5 ft (1.5 m) in length. Like Johnson's seagrass, vaquitas have a very limited distribution, as they are just found off the coast of Mexico in the northern part of the Gulf of California. They are the most endangered of the marine mammals, with a population size of less than 600 animals. But estimating their numbers is a difficult task considering their elusive nature-vaquitas move toward the surface of the water very slowly, where they take a quick breathe and barely disturb the surface.

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The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law on December 28, 1973 by President Nixon. Over 2,000 species are currently on the ESA, and they are separated into "Threatened" and "Endangered" species. Endangered species are in danger of going extinct, while Threatened species are approaching Endangered status. The U.S.

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This is our cool CEO of Sea Guards. She is holding up a "peace sign' because she just wants peace for all the endangered sea animals <3

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This picture will teach you how to help our oceans

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This video will show you the beauty of the ocean, and some of it's wonders.

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Ocean Life and Nature Documentary -  Amazing Underwater Marine Life Documentary

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Here are some of the poor animals that we may loose, forever

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Sadly, over the past 40 years, our world's marine population has declined dramatically by 50%. Being a diver means that we are not only likely to explore the ocean, we are also advocates and with this said, we have a responsibility to not only be aware of what is threatening our oceans but also to inform others of the daily threats that our oceans face. There are approximately 2,215 species of marine life listed either endangered or threatened according to the ESA (Endangered Species Act). Here are 8 endangered species that you will find in the ocean and why they are declining at such a fast rate.
How can you help?
Why not watch Racing Exctinction, use their #startwith1thing toolkit to get involved or contact your local marine conservation charity. Why not tell us about what you are going to do in the comments below?

8. Blue Finned Tuna

Blue finned Tuna are usually found in the Atlantic Ocean and happen to be one of the most valuable species in the ocean. However, being the most valuable species comes at a steep price. Blue finned tuna have become number one on our endangered species list because of severe over-fishing. There are thought to be only 25,000 blue finned tuna left. Blue finned tuna can reach up to sizes of 2m which is the same as a 6ft man. These giant, warm blooded fish weigh on average 250kg with the largest ever recorded off the coast of Nova Scotia weighing a whopping 679kg.

7. White Abalone

The White Abalone is found off the coast of California and once flourished. They numbered in the millions and thrived in the cool waters of the Pacific. Unfortunately, nowadays the population of the White Abalone has dropped severely ranging from 1600 to 2000. The reason for their demise has been down to what scientists refer to as a 'reproductive failure'. The White Abalone release their eggs and sperm out into the water however, as the population has decreased the eggs are less likely to find a sperm and become fertilized. Other reasons for their drop in numbers are due to over-fishing as well as increase in rate of infection. There are however, groups of people who have created breeding programmes to help the White Abalone get back on track.

6. Manatees

Known to most as Sea Cows, these gentle giants not only resemble a marine animal, but also a land animal. There are three species of manatee, determined by where they live. One species inhabits the Amazon River, the second species inhabits the west coast and rivers of Africa and the most well-known species of Manatee lives along the North American east coast from Florida through to Brazil. The most recent count of Manatees have seen over 6000 left in existence within the Florida waters.

There are a number of reasons why this beautiful species has deteriorated so rapidly these include; In 2010, a 'winter freeze' brutally affected the population of manatees as well as other marine life in Florida. In addition, toxic algae has also wiped out many manatees, this is caused by human pollution entering the rivers and waters in Florida. Another reason for their drop is numbers is down to boating collisions.

5. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

The scalloped hammerhead is found virtually all around the world in coastal areas of tropical, subtropical and reasonable climate areas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has reported that the population of Scalloped Hammerheads has declined so rapidly that there is now 50-90% less over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, their decrease in numbers is due to their highly desired fins and with the sheer lack of finning regulations, their numbers have diminished. The Scalloped Hammerheads are also known to be slow reproducers and with this fact, they have been placed on the 'global endangered' list. In 2014, these incredibly beautiful creatures were the first species of shark to be protected by the US Endangered Species Act.

4. Chinook Salmon

The Chinook Salmon is the largest species of the Pacific Salmon genus Oncorhynchus. Salmon is one of the most popular seafood as well as sports fish in the entire world. The Chinook Salmon population found in Alaskan waters stretching to California are in a sharp decline due to a number of reasons. Pollution, is a huge cause of their decline as Chinook Salmon require clean rivers and oceans in order to spawn and survive. Over-fishing, is another cause for this species decrease in numbers. Nine populations of Chinook Salmon are listed as endangered or threatened and are under the US Endangered Species Act.

3. Blue Whale

Did you know that the Blue Whale is the largest mammal on the planet? Even though they are the largest as well as the loudest mammal on the planet, their population numbers are dropping considerably. With an average weight of 200 tons and a call that can reach up to 188 decibels, 48 decibels over a jet engine, these extraordinary giants are the kings of the ocean. Unfortunately, due to large scale commercial whaling activities, the worldwide population of the Blue Whale has depleted staggeringly. The most significant drop in Blue Whale numbers occurred in the 1900's. Another reason why these mind-blowing creatures are not bouncing back is because they have a gestation period of 10-12 months and they tend to reproduce every two to three years. Sadly, the most recent reason for their demise is due to vessel collisions and contact with fisheries. There is however certain organizations such as the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) who have studied the migration paths of these giants and have managed to divert shipping channels to avoid contact.

2. Southern Sea Otters

These beautiful little mammals have to be one of the cutest marine animals found off the coast of California. Whilst their cousins who live within the northern sea, off the west coast of the US from Alaska to Washington are thriving with populations over 77,000, the Southern Sea Otter is struggling with as few as 3000 living off the coast of California. The Southern Sea Otter used to number in the hundreds of thousands to the millions, however in the 1700's to 1800's they were nearly at risk of becoming extinct because of their fur. Southern Sea Otters have the densest fur on the planet and it is this that can help them to survive in cold waters without a layer of insulating fat. However, their fur is wanted by many and it is this that has caused their demise. In 1911, Sea Otters became protected by the International Fur Seal Treaty as well as being listed under the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Act in the 1970's. Since then, their numbers are rising slowly however still fall well below their original numbers. Not only are these amazing creatures vulnerable to their natural predators, they are also effected by Humans as well.

1. Leatherback Turtles

The Leatherback turtles are named after their shells. Their shells are not like other turtles which are hard, these magnificent marine animals have a shell that best resembles leather. Leatherbacks are by far the largest sea turtle species and also one of the most migratory, crossing both the Pacific Oceans as well as the Atlantic. Their usual path of migration stretches from the 'Coral Triangle' to the Californian Coast, where they can feed on copious amounts of jelly fish throughout the summer and autumn months.

Over the last century, the numbers of Leatherback Turtles have declined dramatically, this is due to a concentrated level of egg collecting and bycatching within the fishing industries. According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Leatherback Turtles are been listed as vulnerable, with many of their subpopulations (Pacific and Southwest Atlantic) of Leatherback Turtles have been classified as Critically Endangered.

Diving since I was 13 years old, I am currently a rescue diver working towards my Dive Master qualification. As well as diving, I am also a freelance writer and a professional baker, with my own recipe blog Jennifer's Cakes.

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8 Endangered Marine Animals - DeeperBlue.com

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Sadly, over the past 40 years, our world's marine population has declined dramatically by 50%. Being a diver means that we are not only likely to explore the ocean, we are also advocates and with this said, we have a responsibility to not only be aware of what is threatening our oceans but also to inform others of the daily threats that our oceans face.