The Ocean is in trouble!
You might think the ocean is huge and can't be hurt, but that's not true. We're taking too much from it and polluting it.
Many animals, like sharks, whales, and sea turtles are endangered, which means they're in big trouble. If we don't help, they might vanish forever. Imagine if your favourite toy was about to disappear. How would you feel?
We can help by reducing plastic use, choosing sustainable seafood that is caught or farmed in a way that doesn't harm the ocean or the marine life, and supporting organizations that protect the ocean. Let's work together to keep our oceans healthy and full of life!
ENDANGERED
SPECIES
+5,500 Marine Species
are in serious trouble
14 species extinct
in the last 500 years
in 2024
+200 critically endangerad species
+300 endangered species
+700 vulnerable species
ENDANGERED SPECIES
VAQUITA
(Phocoena sinus)
The vaquita is the smallest if all cetaceans. It lives in the Gulf of California. In 2024 the exitimated population is of 8 to 13 individuals
NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE
(Eubulaena glacialis)
There are only approximately 372 surviving North Atlantic Right Whales according to scientists. This is a little good news, because the number has grown slightly.
YANGTZE FINLESS PORPOISE
(Neophocaena asiaorientalis)
The Yangtze finless porpoise lives in the Yangtze River, near Wuhan, China. Sadly, only about 1,249 are left. They're facing threats like pollution, boat traffic, and dams.
HAWAIAN MONK SEAL
(Monachus schauinslandis)
The Hawaiian monk seal lives in Hawaii. There are about 1,600 left, mostly living in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They're threatened by pollution, fishing nets, and past hunting.
HAWKSBILL TURTLE
(Eretmochelys imbricata)
Hawksbill turtles are one of the most endangered sea turtles in the world. People used to hunt them for their beautiful shells, and now there are only about 8,000 adult females left.
GIANT MANTA REY
(Mobula birostris)
Giant manta rays are gentle giants of the ocean. People are fishing them for their gills, and they don't have many babies. There are only about 1,500 of them left in the world.
WHALE SHARK
(Rhincodon typus)
Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the world, but sadly, their numbers are going down. People are fishing them for their fins and other parts. There are only about 130,000 to 200,000 of them left.
CORAL REEF
(Anthoza)
They could all be considered at risk of extinction. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are hurting these beautiful underwater cities. People are also damaging reefs by building on the coast, fishing too much, and even touching the coral.
DUGONG
(Trichecus dudon)
Dugongs are big, fascinating sea creatures that eat seagrass. Pollution, getting caught in fishing nets, and boat accidents are hurting them. There are only about 100,000 dugongs left in the world.
MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL
(Monachus Monachus)
The Mediterranean monk seal has faced many challenges over the years. There are only about 700 left!
THE CAUSES
what makes a
species endangered?
Loss of habitats
Spread of disease
Pollution
Overfishing practices
invasive Species
Climate change
THE CAUSES
OVERFISHING
Imagine fishing in a pond: if you catch too many fish, there won't be enough left to grow and have babies. That's what's happening in the ocean.
We're catching too many fish, faster than they can reproduce. This is called overfishing, and it's hurting the ocean. Many animals are suffering because of it. The Greek sea, where our Bubble Buddies live, is the most overfished in the world!
CLIMATE CHANGE
The ocean is like a big, watery blanket that helps keep our planet cool. But now, it's getting a fever!
Climate change is making the Earth warmer, and that's heating up the ocean too. This can melt ice and make the water rise. It can also change the ocean currents, which are like big rivers flowing underwater. These currents help move heat around the planet, so when they change, it can affect weather patterns.
SPREAD OF DISEASES
Just like us, animals in the ocean can get sick. Sometimes, a lot of them get sick at the same time because of pollution.
When we pollute the ocean with things like plastic or chemicals, the water becomes dirty and unhealthy. This can make animals weak and more likely to get sick.
As the Earth gets warmer because of climate change, the ocean gets warmer too. This can cause stress to marine animals and make them more vulnerable to diseases.
LOSS OF HABITAT
Hurricane, strong winds and big waves can damage coral reefs and destroy important habitats like wetlands. This makes it hard for animals to find food and shelter.
Droughts and heat waves can change the water temperature and make it harder for some animals to survive. They might have to move to find cooler water, which can disrupt their lives.
POLLUTION
Plastic bottles or bags floating in the ocean can be very dangerous for marine animals.
Sea turtles, seabirds, and even whales can mistake plastic for food. When they eat plastic, they get sick and can sometimes die. Plastic can also get tangled around their bodies, making it hard for them to move or eat.
As plastic breaks down, it uses up oxygen that animals need to breathe. This can lead to the death of many marine animals, like penguins.
Other causes of ocean pollution are fertilizer, polluted rain, noise, and industrial chemicals
INVASIVE SPECIES
Imagine a polar bear suddenly appearing on a tropical coral reef. It wouldn't fit in, right? It would be too big, too cold-loving, and could disturb the delicate balance of the reef.
That's kind of what happens when invasive species enter a new environment. They're like uninvited guests who can disrupt the whole ecosystem. They might eat native animals, take over their homes, or bring new diseases.
Small Actions, Big Ocean Impact
Have you ever heard of the butterfly effect? It's a big word for a simple idea: small things can have big consequences. Imagine a butterfly flapping its wings. That tiny flap can cause a ripple effect, leading to big changes, like a storm on the other side of the planet!
As a child, we know that you can't do everything to save the oceans, but you can do a lot. You can talk to your parents, teachers, and friends about ocean conservation. Together, we can make a difference.
Drop by Drop,
Keep the Flow
Let's save water, a precious resource!
Fix those leaky faucets, take quick showers, and water your plants wisely.
Every drop counts!
Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle
Let's be kind
to our planet!
We can do this by using less stuff, using things again, and putting the right things in the recycling bin.
Save Energy,
Save Earth
Let's save energy! When you're done with a light or a gadget, turn it off. It's like giving them a little rest. And let's choose smart appliances that use less energy, so we can help the planet.
Go Green,
Move Clean
Let's keep
the air clean!
We can do this by walking, biking, sharing rides, or taking the bus or train.
Eat Wise,
Live Green
Let's eat healthy and help the planet! We can do this by eating less meat, choosing foods grown nearby, and not wasting food.
Plastic-Free
Promise
Let's reduce plastic pollution! Say no to plastic bags and bottles, use reusable bags, and choose products with less packaging
Act, Change,
Impact
Let's clean up
our beaches!
Join a beach cleanup or organize one with your friends and family.
Learn, Share,
Grow
Let's be smart!
Learn about how our planet is changing and share what you learn with your friends and family.
UNDER THE SEA IS THE PLACE TO BE!
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