The Threatened Species of the Ocean

This National Threatened Species Day we bring awareness to our marine animals most at risk. 

The ocean is home to some of the most mysterious and distinctive creatures in the world. Some species are still being discovered the more we explore the big blue sea. However our explorations of the ocean have also revealed the decline of many populations of animals.

Here at SEA LIFE Sydney we are home to 8 species that are on the ICUN endangered species list. These range from vulnerable to critically endangered. The SEA LIFE Trust plays an important role in preserving and restoring these great species.

• Vulnerable- Ocellated Eagle Ray- (Aetobatus ocellatus)
• Vulnerable- Blacktip Reef Shark- (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
• Vulnerable- Loggerhead Sea Turtle- (Caretta caretta)
• Vulnerable- Tawny Nurse Shark- (Nebrius ferrugineus)
• Vulnerable- Whitetip Reef Shark- (Triaenodon obesus)
• Endangered- Pig-nosed Turtle- (Carettochelys insculpta)
• Endangered- Queensland Lungfish, (Neoceratodus forsteri)
• Endangered- White’s Seahorse, (Hippocampus whitei)
• Endangered- Green Sea Turtle- (Chelonia mydas)
• Critically Endangered- Grey Nurse Shark, (Carcharias taurus)
• Critically Endangered- Large-tooth Sawfish- (Pristis pristis)

Sharks and rays are some of the world’s most threatened animals, with a quarter of all species at risk of extinction. Reasons they are at threat are:

• Habitat loss and degradation
• Unregulated and managed fisheries
• Nets and plastic pollution
• Illegal fishing and hunting practices

Before more was known about a lot of these species, particularly sharks, misconceptions led to mass hunting and contributed to declines in species such as the Grey Nurse Shark. The SEA LIFE Trust works on a number of projects to help Breed, Rescue and Protect our sea creatures. Some of our projects include:

• The Seahorse Hotel Project
• Coral Conservation
• Fish Conservation
• World Wide Beach Clean-ups and more.

If you want to get involved in helping to protect our amazing marine life, check out our SEA LIFE Trust page here for volunteering opportunities, donations and more. Want to see these incredible creatures up close? Come visit SEA LIFE Sydney and fall in love with the unique creatures calling the ocean home.