Making A Comeback: Three Marine Species Illustrate Success Of Endangered Species Act

In celebration of the Endangered Species Act’s 40th anniversary, the Endangered Species Coalition released a new report highlighting ten Endangered Species Act success stories. We’re thrilled that three marine species made it onto the list: The southern sea otter, the humpback whale, and the green sea turtle. 

Southern Sea Otter

In 1914, conservationists estimated that there were only 50 southern sea otters remaining in the wild, where once there had been countless numbers. After years of hunting by fur traders and deaths caused by other human factors, these sea otters which are endemic to California and found primarily in shallow waters along the central and southern coast from Point Conception to Half Moon Bay were nearly extinct. 

Somehow, the otters managed to survive until they gained protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1970. Since then, they’ve been making a comeback. Today, there are approximately 2,800 southern sea otters living in the wild; still a tiny number in comparison to the vast population that once inhabited the area that extends from Mexico’s Baja California all the way to the Pacific Northwest, as well as Japanese, Russian, and Alaskan waters where none remain. Southern sea otters are still in danger; a single large oil spill along California’s central coast could wipe out the state’s entire population. 

Green Sea Turtle

Green sea turtles, once numerous throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans, were hunted for centuries for their meat. Like otters, their numbers plummeted to dangerously low levels due to commercial hunting; other problems they face include disturbed nesting areas as well as the collection of turtle eggs. These gentle creatures are still in grave danger in many places, but in some areas, they’ve began to make a comeback after having been granted protection under the Endangered Species Act in in 1978. Their numbers are increasing in the Gulf of California, where they graze on patches of sea grass, as well as in Florida’s Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and Hawaii’s French Frigate Shoals. 

Though green sea turtles are widely protected both in the United States and internationally, they are threatened by pollution, including plastics that are mistaken as prey and ingested. Fishing nets and coastal development also lead to reduced numbers.

Humpback Whale

Biologists estimate that before commercialized whale hunting became popular, there were more than 125,000 humpback whales inhabiting the world’s oceans. By the mid-1960’s, the population had been decimated – conservationists estimated that there were only 1,200 individuals remaining. Humpback whales were among the first to receive protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1970, and today, their numbers have increased dramatically. It is estimated that there are more than 22,000 humpback whales, and that number is certain to increase with continued protection. 

While other marine species – even those making a comeback – are still threatened, the humpback whale is truly a success story. Today, these massive marine mammals enjoy a conservation status of “least concern” on IUCN’s Red List. With our help, even more endangered species can make a comeback.