Endangered marine animal species and how you can help them

A whale snapped as it jumps out of the water.

The world is currently undergoing the most severe ecological crisis in human memory. In the time it has taken for industrialised society to develop, over 500 highly visible animal species have become extinct. Marine life has not been exempt from these die-offs. The next time you go whale watching in La Jolla, consider that some of the most iconic and beloved ocean species are at risk of extinction in the near future.

Which marine animals are endangered?

While there are thousands of species living in the ocean that are currently threatened, this list includes only a few of the easily understood, as studies have long shown that humans are more likely to take conservation actions to help large, charismatic species than smaller, stranger ones. Keep in mind, however, that for every blue whale, there is a sea cucumber or krill that also needs your help.

Vaquita

The vaquita is a tiny porpoise found off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. The species is among the most critically endangered in the world, with only ten or so individuals remaining. Because fishing has remained underregulated in their Mexican habitat, vaquitas are almost certain to fall victim to gillnet fishing until they go extinct.

Hawksbill sea turtle

Hawksbill turtles are as beautiful as they are iconic. Unfortunately, their gentle nature has rendered them vulnerable to overharvesting and overfishing. As they depend on undisturbed nesting grounds, their breeding areas are quickly being wiped out.

Blue whale

Whale watchers spot what they came to see.

Though commercial fishing has prompted a recovery throughout their ranges, these gentle giants still face an uncertain future from toxic pollution and climate change. If you want to help the plight of the world's biggest animal, consider taking a tour with the blue whales San Diego still has roaming its shores.

Guitarfish

This strange and alien-looking ray falls far under most people's conservation radar. Its lifestyle of feeding on crustaceans at the bottom of the ocean has left it vulnerable to overly general human fishing methods, and it is now among the most critically endangered marine animals.

Hammerhead shark

A shiver of hammerhead sharks swim through.

Hammerhead sharks are famous for their distinctive shape. While many people fear them, they have considerably much more justification for fearing people. Because of the popularity of shark fin soup in certain parts of the world, hammerheads have become seriously endangered. Cruelly, the dish requires that chefs kill the animal while taking only the fin and discarding the rest.

How you can help these species from going extinct

Conservation can sometimes feel like a lost cause, but many recent victories have shown that there is still hope. While much of the work to be done depends on modern technologies and the expertise of conservation professionals, there are still things you can do as a concerned citizen.

Because the future is destined to rest in the hands of the next generation, taking a family on a trip to the ocean can have a big impact on the future. Take the kids on one of the sailboat rides San Diego has to offer. Book an educational whale watching tour. Whatever you do, make conservation the focus.