One of the best gifts you can give your child is the gift of knowledge. I am talking about the kind of knowledge that will help them create a better future for themselves and preserve whatever is left of this beautiful planet. Teaching your kids about endangered water species and ways they can save them is one of the ways to go about it. Not only will they learn about water species other than the fishes in your aquarium but they will also understand the severe damage we have caused and measures to rectify it. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Blue whale
Known for being the biggest mammal in the world, the Blue Whale will no longer hold the title if there is no action taken immediately. They weigh about 200 tonnes and are the loudest animals on the earth. It is said the blue whale’s heart itself is almost the size of a small car.
Relentless whaling led to a sudden decline in the population of whales to a point where they almost joined the list of extinct species. The worldwide whale protection act in 1966 saved the whales to an extent. But the climate change which affects their prey, the krill, and pollution act as major threats to the existence of these beautiful beings. If no action is taken, the blue whales will move to the list of extinct species in a few years.
How to save them:
WWF (World Wide Fund) lets you adopt a whale and the money from the adoption will be used to fund research which will help save these mammals!
Loggerhead sea turtles
Sea turtles are one of the oldest beings on earth and now, they are on the brink of extinction. Usually found in the Mediterranean region, Loggerhead sea turtles are known for their big heads and strong jaws. But there has been a steep decline in the population over the last decade as a result of bycatch in fishing gear, entanglement in ocean debris, and intentional hunting (for their meat). Though Loggerhead turtles are now fully protected against hunting in several places, they still continue to suffer due to pollution and fishing.
How to save them:
Support organisations that rescue and rehabilitate these precious beings. Keeping the oceans clean and avoiding plastic also helps. In the longer run.
Coral
Did you know that Coral reefs are considered to be the ‘Rainforest of the sea’? Well, it’s true and what’s also true is that we’ve managed to destroy this rainforest too. Colourful and mysterious- coral reefs are a gift to the humankind from nature. A gift that we’ve failed to appreciate. Even though they occupy a mere 0.1% of the ocean, they serve as a habitat to over 25% of the marine beings on the planet. Coral reefs also help reduce damage from tropical tsunamis, storms and provide food and resources to over 500 million people. Nature’s miracle, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, coral reefs are in crisis and without immediate action, they will be a thing of history. Pollution, overfishing, climate change, and damaging fishing techniques have greatly contributed to the depleting coral reefs all over the world.
How to save them:
- Donate to organisations that work towards coral reef protection.
- Volunteer for beach cleanups.
- Conserve water.
- Raise awareness.
Gray whale
Out of the 3 original Gray whale types, one is already extinct and the other two will soon be joining the list if we turn a blind eye to this crisis. These majestic beasts weight about 35 tonnes and live up to 70 years. Their name comes from the grey patches (whale lice and parasite barnacles) on their dark waxen skin.
The North Atlantic Gray whale became extinct decades ago and the Western North Pacific Gray whales are highly endangered with only around 150 left. Though ship strikes, commercial whaling, and marine bycatch are cited to be the strong causes for the death of these whales, climate change, loss of habitat and the presence of toxic waste in the ocean are equally to blame.
How to save them:
- Support International Whaling Commission.
- Donate to organisations that help disentangle whales.
- Spread the word.
The Vaquita
The very thought that these cute little beings might soon go extinct shatters our hearts. Found in the Gulf of California in Mexico, Vaquita is a rare marine animal that wasn’t discovered until 1958 and now, they are already endangered. Belonging to the dolphin family, they weigh up to 120 pounds and have the typical structure of a porpoise.
Out of all the species we’ve mentioned, Vaquita is the most endangered with less than 30 beings left. Drowning in fishing gear has been the main cause for the endangerment. They have also suffered from the illegal fishing for Totaba which is found in the Vaquita habitat. Though the Mexican government has invested millions of dollars in their protection, the porpoises are still suffering.
How to save them:
- Support Marine protection for the Gulf of Mexico.
- Raise awareness
It is truly devastating to witness the slow demise of such beautiful creatures. Teaching your kids about endangered water species will not only instill empathy in them but also help them take measures from a young age. Something as simple as switching a plastic bottle with a reusable one can make a whole lot of difference. Teach them to make the world a better place for themselves and do your bit while you are at it.
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