Almost Extinct Sea Animals: Endangered Species You Should Know About
Whale Shark | Photo by Coral Brunner
The world’s oceans are home to a vast array of marine life, from tiny plankton to massive blue whales. However, many of these species are facing significant threats to their survival, including habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. As a result, numerous sea animals are now considered endangered, and their populations are declining at an alarming rate. In this section, we will explore some of the most endangered sea animals and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.
Endangered Sea Animals: What’s Driving Them Toward Extinction?
When we think of ocean life, we often picture vibrant coral reefs, majestic whales, or shimmering schools of fish. But beneath this beauty lies a sobering reality, many sea animals are fighting for survival. From plastic pollution to overfishing, climate change to habitat destruction, marine creatures are facing threats at every turn. Illegal fishing is also a significant threat, contributing to the decline of endangered species and exacerbating habitat degradation. Many species already have gone extinct recently, with many more probably to follow.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
What endangered sea animals are
The key threats putting them at risk
A list of the most endangered marine species
Conservation efforts and what you can do to help
Let’s dive into the world of endangered sea creatures and why it’s urgent to protect them.
What Are Endangered Sea Animals?
Endangered sea animals are marine species that face a high risk of extinction in the wild. The Endangered Species Act is a critical legislative measure established to prevent the extinction of various species and protect their habitats, including endangered sea animals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies these species on its Red List, ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. Their declining populations are caused by human activities and environmental changes, making conservation essential to their survival.
Trawling is a major cause of concern for marine species | Getty Images
Factors Leading to Marine Endangerment
Understanding why marine species are in danger is crucial. Here are the top contributing factors:
Threatened marine species are increasingly at risk due to the interconnectedness of habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
1. Overfishing
Overfishing remains one of the most urgent drivers of marine endangerment. Unsustainable fishing practices, like bottom trawling and longline fishing, are depleting populations of commercial species faster than they can reproduce. Critically endangered species like the Southern Bluefin Tuna have suffered staggering declines due to high market demand. Bycatch—where non-target animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, and even juvenile sharks are accidentally captured—adds to the crisis. In some regions, up to 40% of a fishery’s total catch is unintentional, with devastating consequences for already vulnerable species.
2. Habitat Destruction
Habitat destruction is stripping marine animals of the places they rely on to feed, breed, and thrive. Coastal development for tourism, ports, and urban expansion has led to the widespread loss of mangroves and seagrass beds, essential nursery habitats for fish, crustaceans, and sea turtles. Coral reefs, home to over 25% of marine biodiversity, are being damaged by destructive fishing practices like dynamite fishing and bottom trawling. Even remote areas aren’t safe—deep-sea mining threatens fragile ecosystems that are still poorly understood.
3. Climate Change
Climate change poses a multifaceted threat to marine biodiversity. Rising sea temperatures disrupt migratory routes, feeding behavior, and breeding cycles for countless species, including whales and planktonic organisms at the base of the food web. Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO₂ absorption, weakens coral skeletons and harms shell-forming animals like oysters and pteropods. Warming waters also fuel coral bleaching events, where corals expel the algae they rely on for nutrients, leading to widespread reef die-offs. These cascading effects can wipe out entire ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
4. Ocean Pollution
Ocean pollution has infiltrated nearly every corner of the marine environment. Plastic pollution is especially harmful—marine animals often mistake plastic bags, straws, and fishing gear for food, which can lead to internal blockages or starvation. Sea turtles, for example, frequently ingest plastic bags that resemble jellyfish. Chemical runoff from agriculture and industry adds another layer of toxicity, creating dead zones devoid of oxygen where no marine life can survive. Even microplastics—tiny particles now found in the deepest ocean trenches—are entering the food chain, affecting both animals and humans.
5. Illegal Wildlife Trade
Illegal wildlife trade continues to drive many species toward extinction. Despite international regulations, shark fins, sea turtle shells, corals, and even seahorses are still heavily trafficked for luxury goods, traditional medicine, and exotic pet markets. The demand for manta ray gill plates and sawfish rostra has intensified in recent years, placing additional pressure on these already endangered species. Often, these animals are harvested from unregulated or poorly managed fisheries, making conservation enforcement extremely difficult.
6. Noise and Ship Traffic
Noise and ship traffic may not leave visible scars, but their impacts run deep—especially for marine mammals. Whales and dolphins rely on echolocation to navigate, hunt, and communicate. The roar of ship engines, seismic surveys, and naval sonar can mask these vital sounds, leading to disorientation, strandings, and even death. Chronic noise pollution has been linked to lower reproductive success in whales and increased stress in many marine species. As global trade expands and more vessels take to the sea, this invisible threat is only growing.
7. Invasive Species
Invasive species are often introduced accidentally through ballast water discharge or intentional releases into the wild. Once established, these non-native species can outcompete, prey on, or introduce disease to local marine life. For instance, lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, have become invasive in the Atlantic and Caribbean, consuming juvenile reef fish and rapidly reducing biodiversity on coral reefs. Their presence alters food webs and can lead to the collapse of local fish populations if not managed.
Lion fish is an invasive species in many areas | Photo by Gil Mashin
15 Most Critically Endangered Sea Animals
Most endangered species, such as the Hawksbill sea turtle and whale sharks, are facing urgent conservation needs due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution.
Here are some of the most critically threatened marine creatures and the challenges they face:
1. Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
The vaquita is the world’s rarest marine mammal, found only in the northern Gulf of California, one of the most iconic animals in Mexico. With fewer than 10 individuals estimated to remain, they are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. The primary threat to vaquitas is entanglement in illegal gillnets used for catching totoaba fish, whose swim bladders are highly valued in black markets. Despite a global ban, enforcement has been limited, and conservationists are racing against time to prevent extinction.
The vaquita porpoise in Mexico´s Gulf of California. Photo by PROFEPA
2. North Atlantic Right Whale
These large baleen whales are among the most endangered whale species, with fewer than 350 individuals left, including fewer than 70 breeding females. Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate-driven changes to prey distribution are major threats. Conservation measures like vessel speed restrictions and fishing gear modifications have been implemented, but population recovery remains slow. The Gray Whales story in mexico is a great example of how whale specie can come back from the brink of extinction.
North Atlantic Right Whale | Getty Images
3. Hawksbill Turtle
Critically endangered and once widespread across tropical oceans, Hawksbill turtles are now threatened by illegal trade in their beautiful shells (often made into “tortoiseshell” products), habitat loss, coral reef degradation, and climate change. Conservation initiatives focus on protecting nesting beaches and cracking down on illegal wildlife trade.
Hawksbill Turtle | Getty Images
4. Giant Manta Ray
Classified as Endangered, the giant manta ray is threatened by targeted fishing, bycatch in commercial fisheries, and the illegal trade in gill plates used in traditional medicine. Habitat degradation and ocean pollution also pose significant risks. Their slow reproduction makes population recovery difficult. Protected areas and sustainable tourism are key to their conservation
Giant Manta Ray | Photo by Magnus Larsson
5. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
These iconic sharks are listed as Critically Endangered. They are highly vulnerable to overfishing due to their schooling behavior and are frequently caught in illegal shark finning operations. Habitat degradation and low reproductive rates further threaten their survival. Conservation strategies include marine protected areas and international trade
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark | Photo by Howard Chen
6. Blue Whale
The largest animal on Earth, the blue whale is listed as Endangered. After being decimated by 20th-century whaling, populations are slowly recovering, but they still face threats from ship strikes, entanglement, and noise pollution disrupting their communication and migration. International protections have helped, but localized conservation efforts remain vital.
Blue Whale | Photo by Rich Carey
7. Sea Otter
Once nearly hunted to extinction for their dense fur, sea otters are now classified as Endangered or Vulnerable, depending on the region. Oil spills, disease, shark predation, and habitat loss continue to impact populations. Sea otters play a crucial role in kelp forest ecosystems, and their recovery is vital for biodiversity.
Sea Otters | Photo by Ken Canning
8. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle
One of the rarest turtles on Earth. This freshwater turtle from China and Vietnam is believed to have fewer than five individuals remaining, making it one of the most endangered reptiles on Earth. The primary threats are habitat destruction, pollution, and overharvesting. Intensive captive breeding and habitat restoration are underway, but success has been limited.
9. Humphead (Napoleon) Wrasse
his vibrant coral reef fish is listed as Endangered, primarily due to overfishing for the live reef food trade, especially in Southeast Asia. Its slow growth and late sexual maturity make it highly vulnerable to exploitation. Marine protected areas and restrictions on trade are essential for its survival.
Napoleon Wrasse | Getty Images
10. European Eel
Once abundant across Europe’s rivers and coasts, the European eel is now Critically Endangered. Overfishing, dams blocking migration routes, pollution, and climate change have all contributed to its drastic decline. Efforts are underway to improve river connectivity and enforce catch limits.
European Eel | Michel Viard
11. Steller Sea Lion
This species shows regional variation in conservation status. In Alaska’s western stock, the population has declined drastically and is listed as Endangered. Causes include competition with commercial fisheries, climate shifts affecting prey, and historical culling. Recovery efforts involve fishery regulations and habitat monitoring.
Steller Sea Lion | Photo by Ken Canning
12. Green Sea Turtle
Classified as Endangered, green sea turtles have seen population rebounds in some regions due to conservation, but many threats persist. These include poaching, bycatch, plastic pollution, and beach development that destroys nesting sites. Community-based nesting beach protection has proven highly effective.
Green Sea Turtle | Photo by Mikhail Rudenko
13. Leatherback Sea Turtle
The largest sea turtle species, the leatherback is classified as Vulnerable globally but Critically Endangered in some regional populations, such as in the Pacific. Threats include plastic ingestion, fisheries bycatch, and loss of nesting habitat due to rising sea levels. Conservation focuses on reducing bycatch and safeguarding nesting beaches.
Leatherback Sea Turtle | Photp by Rawlinson Photography
14. Sawfish
These ancient fish are among the most endangered marine species. All five species of sawfish are listed as Critically Endangered. Habitat degradation in coastal areas, entanglement in fishing gear, and illegal trade in rostra (saw-like snouts) are the primary threats. Conservation programs emphasize habitat protection and fishing gear modifications.
Saw Fish | Getty images
15. Beluga Whale
Climate change, noise pollution, and industrial activities in Arctic regions are major threats to beluga populations. Similarly, the whale shark, the world's largest fish, faces significant threats from fishing practices and environmental pollutants, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Beluga Whale | Photo by Lingbeek
Threatened Marine Mammals
Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, are an essential part of the ocean’s ecosystem. However, many of these species are threatened by human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.
Hawaiian Monk Seals
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. With a population of only around 1,400 individuals, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, and disease. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the Hawaiian monk seal, including the establishment of marine protected areas and the implementation of fishing regulations.
Vulnerable Aquatic Species
Aquatic species, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates, are also facing significant threats to their survival. Many of these species are vulnerable to overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, providing a home for thousands of species of fish, invertebrates, and algae. However, coral reefs are facing significant threats, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Rising sea temperatures are causing coral bleaching, which can lead to the death of the coral and the loss of the ecosystem. Conservation efforts are underway to protect coral reefs, including the establishment of marine protected areas and the implementation of sustainable fishing practices.
Conservation Efforts for Marine Species
Efforts to protect endangered sea animals include:
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
International treaties like CITES and the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Breeding and reintroduction programs
Fisheries regulations and bycatch reduction technologies
Public education and advocacy
How You Can Help Save Endangered Sea Animals
Choose sustainable seafood
Avoid single-use plastics
Support marine conservation organizations
Reduce your carbon footprint
Travel responsibly and avoid wildlife exploitation
Final Thoughts: The Ocean’s Future Depends on Us
Endangered sea animals are warning signs of a marine ecosystem in crisis. But there’s still hope. Through science, policy, and collective action, we can protect the oceans and the extraordinary creatures that call them home.
Let’s make sure future generations inherit oceans teeming with life, not tales of what once was.
