Ocean's Mammals at Crucial Crossroads
Published:06 Apr.2021 Source:University of Exeter
The ocean's mammals are at a crucial crossroads -- with some at risk of extinction and others showing signs of recovery, researchers say.
In a detailed review of the status of the world's 126 marine mammal species -- which include whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, manatees, dugongs, sea otters and polar bears -- scientists found that accidental capture by fisheries (bycatch), climate change and pollution are among the key drivers of decline. A quarter of these species are now classified as being at risk of extinction (vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List), with the near-extinct vaquita porpoise and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale among those in greatest danger.