Being divers and ambassadors for the ocean, we’re able to regularly appreciate the beauty of the underwater world and its inhabitants. But what if one day all these incredible marine animals were to disappear? Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality that were now facing and it’s called extinction. Our marine animals are essential to the survival of our ecosystem and that’s why they need your help.
Here are 10 marine creatures that are surpsingly close to extinction:
1. Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks
Conservation Status: Endangered.
Location: Warm temperate and tropical areas such as Costa Rica, Australia and Bahamas.
Major Threats: Commercial fishing, shark culling and shark fin trade.
How you can help:
- Learn more about sharks with the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver course.
- Support ethical, local operators who choose tourism over fishing.
2. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Conservation Status: Critically endangered.
Location: Throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
Major Threats: Pollution (mostly plastic), illegal wildlife trading and bycatch.
How you can help:
- Reduce your plastic use and join a Dive Against Debris or beach clean-up.
- Snorkel and dive with turtles sustainably.
3. River Dolphins
Conservation Status: Vulnerable to critically endangered.
Location: Rivers including the Ganges, Indus, Yangtze, Mekong and Amazon.
Major Threats: Dam building, bycatch, boats and pollution.
How you can help:
- Take the Project AWARE Specialist course and learn more about how to protect the ocean.
- Reduce your plastic use and join a Dive Against Debris or beach clean-up.
4. Mako Sharks
Conservation Status: Endangered
Location: Warm and temperate waters such as Australia, New Zealand and California.
Major Threats: Commercial fishing, bycatch and shark fin trade.
How you can help:
- Learn more about sharks with the AWARE Shark Conservation Diver course.
- Sign Project AWARE’s petition to help end uncontrolled mako shark fishing.
5. Galapagos Penguin
Conservation Status: Endangered.
Location: Galapagos Islands.
Major Threats: Pollution, bycatch and climate change.
How you can help:
- Reduce your plastic use and join a Dive Against Debris or beach clean-up.
- Get involved with awareness and fundraising campaigns that support global change
6. Humphead Wrasse
Conservation Status: Endangered.
Location: From the East Coast of Africa and Egypt to the Indian and Pacific Ocean.
Major Threats: Over fishing (especially in Southeast Asia).
How you can help:
- Support ethical, local operators who choose tourism over fishing.
- Eat only sustainable seafood
7. Hawaiian Monk Seal
Conservation Status: Endangered.
Location: Hawaii
Major Threats: Food limitation, habitat loss, bycatch & shark predators.
How you can help:
- Take the Project AWARE Specialist course and learn more about how to protect the ocean.
- Get involved with awareness and fundraising campaigns that support global change
8. Giant Devil Ray
Conservation Status: Endangered.
Location: Mediterranean Sea and East Atlantic.
Major Threats: Pollution, bycatch and commercial fishing.
How you can help:
- Reduce your plastic use and join a Dive Against Debris or beach clean-up.
- Support ethical, local operators who choose tourism over fishing.
9. Whale Shark
Conservation Status: Endangered.
Location: Tropical oceans such as Australia, Asia, Mexico and Honduras.
Major Threats: Commercial fishing and pollution.
How you can help:
- Snorkel and dive with whale sharks sustainably.
- Reduce your plastic use and join a Dive Against Debris or beach clean-up.
10. Short-Nosed Sea Snake
Conservation Status: Critically endangered.
Location: Northern and Western Australia.
Major Threats: Climate change, bycatch and low reproduction rates.
How you can help:
- Get involved with awareness and fundraising campaigns that support global change
- Take the Project AWARE Specialist course and learn more about how to protect the ocean.
Want to help protect our marine animals from extinction? Learn more about how you can help make a difference with Project AWARE
