Humans believe that the ocean is so vast and is invulnerable to overexploitation. However, the reality shows that there are so many species that are significantly decreasing in numbers. Some of these species includes whales, manatees, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and sea turtles. Marine animals that are part of the endangered species list are very difficult to monitor and study because they live under water and they are not visible unlike the animals on land. However, just like the land animals, marine species are also vulnerable to habitat destruction and overhunting. Coastal development for resort and other purposes can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem life how it affects the nurseries of sea turtles. Fishing boats, their nets and their gears can also hit some animals that breathe air by going to shallow waters, like whales and dugongs.

IUCN Red List

There are so many ocean animals that are now included in the endangered species list. The red list of the International Union for Conservation of nature has 368 species of marine animals in it. 95 of these animals are considered endangered 41 of these 95 species are already in the brink of extinction. This list is just the tip of the iceberg because these animals are underwater and it is still not clear what the real deal is. Some of the main ocean animals that are included in the endangered species list are the loggerhead turtle, the hooded seal, and the blue whale.

Hunters

Hunters are the biggest threat of these animals. They are being overhunted by these hunters because they are considered exotic delicacies and they can be sold in a high price. There are also instances when hunters kill these animals unintentionally by hitting them with their nets, gadget and even their boats.

Climate Change

Climate change can affect the water where these animals live. Climate change can make the waters warmer and there is less oxygen in warmer waters, making it harder for ocean animals to breath. This makes ocean animals relocate to a new environment. These animals might find it hard to survive in these new environments. Climate change can also disrupt the current and the chemistry of the ocean. This will affect ocean animals greatly.

Pollution

Water pollution is a big threat to ocean animals as well. Pollution can contaminate the water, worst of all it creates bacteria that can deplete the oxygen in the water.

Overfishing

This is another form of overhunting. Over 70 percent of the waters in the world are being overfished. This leads some species straight to the endangered species list.