Zach Schmitt’s Post

Yesterday's anniversary of the catastrophic 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico serves as a reminder of the devastating impact that disaster had on wildlife in the Gulf. For example, according to NOAA Fisheries, "4,900–7,600 large juvenile and adult sea turtles and between 56,000–166,000 small juvenile sea turtles were killed by the spill. Furthermore, an estimated 35,000 hatchlings were lost due to the effects of the spill and associated clean-up activities on sea turtle nesting beaches." Bottlenose dolphins, birds, fish, invertebrates and other marine mammals also suffered staggering lethal impacts. The anniversary -- and tomorrow's Earth Day -- also serves to highlight the impact on one much lesser known species, the critically endangered Rice's whale. This whale, one of the most endangered whale species on the planet, was, was only officially designated as a new, distinct species in 2021. Scientists estimate that the Deepwater Horizon spill resulted in the loss of approximately 22% of this species. The best estimates suggest that there are less than 100 -- and probably much closer to 50 -- Rice's whales remaining on Earth. The Biden Administration is working on a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the whale. https://lnkd.in/eFrzKjTV

🌟 Spotlight on the Critically Endangered Vaquita! 🐬✨ Meet the Vaquita, the world's rarest marine mammal and one of the ocean's most endangered species. With fewer than 10 individuals left in the wild, the vaquita's survival is hanging by a thread. 🌟 Why the Vaquita Matters: Incredibly Elusive: This small, shy porpoise, found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California, is incredibly elusive and rarely seen in the wild. Unique Appearance: The vaquita has distinctive dark rings around its eyes and a mouth that forms a curious smile, making it a unique and endearing creature. Critical Threats: The vaquita faces extinction due to bycatch in illegal gillnets used for fishing totoaba, a fish whose swim bladder is highly valued. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent its extinction. 🌍 How You Can Help: Support Conservation Efforts: Contribute to organizations dedicated to vaquita conservation and the fight against illegal fishing practices. Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the vaquita's plight to increase public awareness and support for its protection. Adopt a Conservation Mindset: Be mindful of the impact of your choices on endangered species and support sustainable practices. 📢 Join the Fight for the Vaquita: Let's come together to protect the vaquita and ensure that this remarkable species has a future. Share this post to raise awareness and inspire others to take action! #wanderlust #adventureawaits #mindfultravel #travelmorestressless #travelphotography #traveltheworld

👉Whale Shark👈 👉The Gentle Giant 🌟The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish in the ocean, often reaching lengths of up to 40 feet or more. Despite its immense size, this gentle giant is a filter feeder, primarily consuming plankton, small fish, and crustaceans. Whale sharks inhabit tropical and warm temperate seas around the globe and are known for their distinctive spotted patterns, which are unique to each individual, much like a human fingerprint. 👉Habitat and Behavior 🌟Whale sharks prefer warm waters and are commonly found in regions like the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. They are known to migrate long distances, likely following the availability of food sources. These sharks are often seen near the surface, where plankton is abundant, and are known for their docile nature, allowing snorkelers and divers to observe them closely. 👉Feeding Mechanism 🌟Whale sharks feed by filtering seawater through their gills, capturing plankton and small fish. They can process over 1,500 gallons of water an hour. Unlike many other shark species, whale sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch inside the female's body, and she gives birth to live young. A single female can give birth to hundreds of pups, although few survive to adulthood. 👉Conservation Status 🌟Whale sharks are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Threats include overfishing, bycatch in fishing gear, and vessel strikes. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, research, and promoting eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative to hunting. 👉Importance 🌟These sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by helping maintain plankton populations.Their unique feeding and migratory patterns also make them important indicators of ocean health.Tags#WhaleShark #MarineBiology #EndangeredSpecies #FilterFeeder #OceanConservation #MarineEcosystems #GentleGiant #WildlifeConservation #SharkMigration

The Yangtze River finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) lives in China's Yangtze River and has a population of just 1,012 individuals, according to the WWF. This is a subspecies of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), which lives around Japan and coastal China. There is also the East Asian finless porpoise, or Sunameri (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis. sunameri). However, the world's most endangered marine mammal is the vaquita, found in Mexico, which is a species thought to only have a population of around 10 left.

Whale sharks — docile filter-feeders that passively scoop up small fish, invertebrates and plankton — can get up to 59 feet (18 meters) long.Jump to references3 That makes them the largest sharks — and fish — in the world.Jump to references4 By comparison, whale sharks' fearsome cousins, great whites, can grow to about 23 feet (7 meters). However, a Conservation International co-authored study found that these endangered gentle giants are facing a formidable foe: shipping vessels. In the past few decades, whale shark populations have been halved due to overfishing, vessel strikes and bycatch — when unwanted fish are caught in nets unintentionally. The good news is that relatively simple changes can protect this massive fish from vessel strikes. Reducing ships’ speed limits or temporarily changing shipping routes while whale sharks are migrating could significantly reduce collisions — and save whale shark populations worldwide,” according to Conservation International scientist Mark Erdmann #SharkWeek

🌿✨ Wetlands: Home of Endangered Wildlife ✨🌿 Wetlands are vital ecosystems teeming with life, from waterbirds to frogs and turtles. They support a diverse array of species throughout their life cycles. Sadly, wetlands are in decline, with over one-third lost between 1970 and 2015, threatening the habitats of endangered animals. Here are some endangered species that rely on wetlands: 🦢 Whooping Crane: North America's tallest bird, found in marshes. 🐾 Florida Panther: Critically endangered, living in freshwater swamps. 🐢 Bog Turtle: The smallest turtle in the U.S., dwelling in wetland areas. 🦩 Australasian Bittern: A waterbird native to Australia's wetlands. 🐸 Southern Corroboree Frog: A tiny frog dependent on alpine wetlands. Why are they threatened? Habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species are key threats to these species. Protecting wetlands is crucial for their survival. How can you help? Learn about local wetlands and their wildlife. Conserve water and reduce chemical use. Prevent invasive species from spreading. Together, we can protect and restore wetlands for future generations. 🌏💧 https://hubs.ly/Q02BdwSS0 #WorldWetlandsDay #Conservation #EndangeredSpecies #WetlandsProtection #WildlifeConservation #wildlifedrones #radiotracking #radiotelemetry #droneconservation #telemetry #conservation

what is #whaleoil aka oil obtained from bluewhale Historically, whale oil was indeed extracted from various whale species, including blue whales. This oil was used for lighting, lubrication, and even soap production. However, the whaling industry had a devastating impact on whale populations, and many species, including the blue whale, were driven to the brink of extinction. In recognition of the ecological and ethical implications, commercial whaling for oil was banned by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1986. This ban has been instrumental in the slow recovery of some whale populations. Today, the focus is on protecting these magnificent creatures and their critical role in marine ecosystems. Extracting fuel from blue whales would not only be illegal but also a huge step backward in conservation efforts. If you're interested in learning more about blue whales and the threats they face, here are some reputable sources: * The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Balaenoptera musculus * The World Wildlife Fund (WWF): WWF - Blue Whale: [https://lnkd.in/di6-N9fp) * The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): NOAA Fisheries - Species Directory - Blue Whale: [https://lnkd.in/dxnCUwh9)

Hopeful BREAKING NEWS - For the first time after 114 years, endangered whale species is sighted off Ireland. Historic sighting! A North Atlantic right whale has been spotted off the coast of Ireland for the first time in 114 years. This rare event underscores the importance of ongoing marine conservation efforts. Why is this so significant? - Endangered Status: The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining. - Geographical Range: These whales typically inhabit the eastern coast of North America, making sightings in European waters extremely uncommon. - Migratory Patterns: This sighting suggests a significant deviation from their usual migratory routes. - Human Impact: Shipping, fishing gear entanglement, and habitat loss have greatly impacted their survival, making such sightings even more exceptional. Implications for the species' survival: - Range Expansion: Potentially indicates adaptability and resilience in finding new habitats. - Genetic Diversity: Increased movement may encourage genetic diversity within the population. - New Habitats: Discovering new feeding grounds could provide safer environments. - Conservation Efforts: Increased attention may lead to stronger conservation measures and funding. Read more: The Guardian: https://lnkd.in/dg7vzDb6 #ReBlueEarth #Wildlife #Oceans #RightWhale #NatureRestoration #EarthRegeneration

Today is 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – an opportunity to celebrate these incredible and beloved gentle giants. Manatees are often nicknamed “sea cows”, because they spend leisurely hours grazing on seagrass and freshwater vegetation. They have no natural enemy; however the Antillean manatee is an endangered species due to historic hunting pressure in the Caribbean basin. In Belize, their main threats today are fast moving boats in shallow waters that lead to watercraft collisions, and changes in their natural habitat. Intentional conversion of our natural coastlines, destruction of seagrass beds, and pollution, combined with the effects of our changing climate create layers of risk for manatees. Let’s do our part to ensure that majestic manatees thrive in Belize. Don’t chase them in boats; don’t throw trash in the water; slow your watercraft in manatee areas to avoid hitting them. Know Belize’s laws: it is illegal to hunt, harass, disturb, or play with manatees; littering is an offence; a permit from the Forest Department is needed for any mangrove clearing. Organizations like Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Wildtracks, Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary Managers Friends of Swallow Caye, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development - Belize, Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary, and our government are working to ensure that these gentle giants will be safe in Belize’s rivers, lagoons, and sea. To report any distressed or injured manatee, contact the Belize Fisheries Department at 224-4552 or the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute at 615-3838.

Six of the seven species of sea turtle found around the world are endangered. Green, Hawksbill, Kemp’s Ridley, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and Olive Ridley Sea Turtles are the six species that are currently listed as either ‘threatened, endangered, or critically endangered’. The only exception to this is the Flatback sea turtle, which resides in the waters around Australia and is classified as ‘data deficient’, meaning there is not enough information available to make a declaration of their status. Recent estimates place the total number of sea turtles in the wild at 6.5 million across all seven species, although there is a large variance from one to the next. Some species like Kemp’s Ridley have populations of less than 10,000, making them critically endangered. #WetTribe #TidetotheOcean #TurtleTuesday #Endangered #SeaTurtles