Marine life is an important part of conservation. What can you do to help?
Overview
The study of marine resources and the functions of ecosystems is the focus of Marine conservation. Marine conservationists rely on a series of principles and data to figure how best to protect marine life and their ecosystems.
Marine conservationists are restoring populations of some of the endangered species in the ocean through artificial means, reducing illegal fishing and dumping in the oceans and attempting to restore the balance of the ecosystems in the ocean.Effects
Endangered marine life includes whales, turtles, penguins, dolphins, snails, lobsters, porpoises, sea lions and more. Widespread hunting has lowered the species numbers in addition to fish being caught in fishing nets and by contaminates in the water. Eventually, endangered marine life affects other species as well. Consider the food chain. For example, sea turtles hatch their eggs on the beach. The baby sea turtles are vulnerable as they make their way back to the ocean. Predators such as snakes, hawks and others attack the baby sea turtles for their meal. If the sea turtle numbers drop so does the food source for these other animals.
Statistics
Sea lion numbers dropped 80% and thus placed on the endangered species list in 1997. Some populations of sea lions are now growing.
The blue whale used to number more than 200,000 but estimates now are less than 10,000 in the oceans. Blue whales do not have a regular mating area and are harder to protect.
However, the gray whale has made a comeback through conservation efforts. Part of the reason may be that the gray whale returns to the same area to mate. The gray whale has calves every other year, which helps in keeping their numbers protected.Help is Needed
Get involved protecting marine life by supporting non-profit organizations, support legislation that cleans and protects habitat and be careful in individual choices. For instance, only use biodegradable products recycle bottles, paper, plastics and aluminum. Do not disturb marine life with recreational activities. Do not buy products such as ivory, pearls, certain seafoods like tuna and lobster and/or fish oil.