Endangered and Extinct

These filter-feeding animals are listed as a endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Whale sharks are endangered due to environmental factors, such as pollutants into the ocean and changing acidification, which in turn effects the food network, and human factors as fisheries hunt whale sharks for their oil and fat etc.

The Giant Manta Ray is the first species of manta ray to be listed as a Threatened species, according to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is because mainly they are targeted by commercial fishing, as they are prized for their gill plates.

Dugongs are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and have been since 1982. The main cause for Dugongs becoming endangered is the loss of their habitat - the seagrass beds - due to environmental disasters and coastal development.

In addition to animals, plant life and coral such are also endangered, in particular Staghorn coral, a critically endangered species. The largest threat towards Staghorn coral is ocean warming, which releases the nutrients and algae they need.

The Loggerhead sea turtle is currently classified as endangered, and is protected under the ESA. This is because of multiple factors, for example they are facing more predators towards eggs and hatchlings, and becoming caught in all sorts of rubbish or nets.

All Orcas are currently protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and classified as endangered by the ESA. The main cause for their endangerment is lack of salmon and toxic pollution into their habitats.