Endangered Species
Endangered species are animals and plants that are at high risk of extinction in the near future without protection or intervention. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 allows for protection of wildlife by prohibiting harassment or killing, and protecting habitat from certain human impacts. Over the past 100 years, an unprecedented number of species have been lost through our actions. In fact, the last time species disappeared at this rate was when we lost the dinosaurs, 65 million years ago.
Since the passing of the ESA, and other laws that prohibit the killing of sea life, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act, we have witnessed the recovery of some marine species such as the gray whale and the northern elephant seal. However, many others continue to make their way onto the threatened and endangered species list. Without strong protection under the ESA, it is likely even more species will disappear. Many well known iconic species that are embedded in our culture are now at risk of extinction including corals, salmon, sea turtles, polar bears, and whales. By protecting places in the sea that are home to endangered species, including important feeding grounds or breeding areas, not only does this allow for the recovery of these populations but can also benefit other species found in these ecosystems.
PLACES IN THE SEA RELATED TO ENDANGERED SPECIES
Arctic Ocean
Dry Tortugas
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Midway Island
Monterey Canyon
Puget Sound
LEARN MORE
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA)
NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources
US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program
Threatened and Endangered Species Lists
ICUN Red List
WWF Endangered Species
Ocean Literacy
Polar bears. Photo:FWS
Green sea turtle. Photo: NOAA
Killer whales of Puget Sound. Photo: NOAA