Caribbean Monk Seal Essay

Furthermore, the marine mammal science community, which has long maintained a neutral stance on the question of whether orcas are a suitable species for captive display, has finally recognized the need to engage. An informal panel discussion on captive orcas is scheduled at the 20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in December, the first time this topic will be openly addressed by the world's largest marine mammal science

The problem with plastic ending up in the ocean is that marine life is being harmed by the presence of it. A study done on the harbor seals in the Netherlands found that more than 12% had plastic in the digestive system (California Coastal Commission). The list of affected species indicates that marine debris is affecting a significant number of species. It affects at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species (Save our shores). The problem is underestimated because the marine life that ingests plastic or dies from entanglement often goes undiscovered due to the vastness of the ocean, as they either sink or are eaten by predators before they are discovered (Plastic Debris). The potential harm from ingestion of plastics is not restricted to seabirds. Plastic bags drifting on ocean currents resemble the prey of turtles. There is evidence that their survival is being hindered by plastic debris with young sea turtles being vulnerable (Ocean pollution). Over the past 20 years polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have polluted marine food webs at an increasing rate, and are prevalent in seabirds. Though their adverse effects may not always be apparent, PCBs lead to reproductive disorders, increase the risk of disease and alter hormone levels. These chemicals have a detrimental effect on marine organisms even at very low levels and plastic pellets could be a route for PCBs into marine food

Orcinus orca is the scientific name for the massive marine mammal. Orcas are not rare, but have declining numbers in some areas (Martin.) Orcas are found from the Artic Ocean to the Antartic Ocean. (Britannica) They belong to the Delphinidae, or dolphin family, which is the largest

The Phocidae family consists of 29 existing species of earless seal that have been left from the initial 40. Out of this moderately sized group, we will be looking at the Hawaiian monk seal, Southern elephant seal, and the Crabeater seal.

As a Newfoundlander I strive to hold on to every bit of our culture and history we have left. Newfoundlanders have always been known for their hard work and dedication. We’ve found work in several areas, as the island we live on has given to us. The fishery, Pulp and Paper, and more recently oil and gas. Something we’ve always been part of is the Canadian Seal Hunt. Which takes place off the "Gulf" areas around the Magdalen Islands and Prince Edward Island. The main hunt on the so-called "front" usually begins in April off the east coast of Newfoundland. (FAQs: The Atlantic seal hunt, 2009) I am in support of the Canadian Seal Hunt, It’s something that has been a part of our history for years, and it helps many

One specific hunt those organizations are trying to stop is the Canadian seal hunt or “Canadian seal slaughter” (Harpseals.org, n.d.) which is held between November 15th to May 15th every year in Canada. There are Thirteen species of seals that inhabit the waters of North America but two are mainly hunted, the harp seal and hooded seal, and more specifically baby harp seals between 3 weeks to 3 months, mainly for their pelt which sheds after that. Found Archaeological evidence reveals that the indigenous people of eastern Canada hunted seal for at least 4000 years. when the first Europeans arrived in the early 16th century, they began hunting seals, they began with hunting the walrus which lived along the Gulf of St Lawrence and the north shore

It is estimated that monk seals have been living in the Hawaiian island chain for 14-15 million years. It is believed that they reached the Hawaiian archipelago through the Central American Seaway, which closed approximately 3 million years ago. They are considered by many to be a “living fossil” due to the primitive nature of the species. Both remaining species of monk seal are in imminent danger of going extinct. While the Hawaiian monk seal population numbers approximately 1,100 individuals, the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is fairing even more poorly, with the most recent estimate of 350-450 individuals (IUCN Red List). The Caribbean monk seal (Neomonachus tropicalis) was

The Hawaiian Monk seal is a greatly endangered marine species. These adorable creatures are being used for human goods such as their skin, meat, and oils. Not only this, but predators like Sharks and poisoning have also killed off the breed. Today in 2017, only about 1,100-1,400 are fighting for their lives. Since these beautiful creature, live on a touristy island, it is common for humans to be one of the biggest threats. Humans can throw litter and plastic into the water just to watch these animals suffer. Their own kind have also been a rising cause of these animals decreasing population by the males killing the females in group attacking called “mobbing”. These creatures are supposed to live anywhere

Even today more than 30 years later, the seals have the status as the most endangered species in the United States. The seals population has declined three to four percent every year for the past decade. With this decrease the seals have seen the lowest number in years. There were 1,100 seals left in existence. This news is important since the species is only found in Hawaii. It has been in existence for more than fifteen million years. There is expected to be better news soon. There have been significant efforts to help the recovery of the species in the past few years, environmentalist have removed several tons of ocean trash from the seals habitat and moving the seals from an area of low survival rate to that of a higher survival rate. There are some indications showing that the hard work is paying off. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) teams reported about 121 pup seals were born in 2014, which was higher than the amount of pup born in 2013 with 103 pup seals and in 2012 with 111 pup seals born. So with this information it shows that the hard work is improving the life of the Hawaiian monk seals. The total population is now estimated to be around 1,200 Hawaiian monk seals. So most of the seals are placed in the Main Hawaiian Islands and the other seals are placed in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Due to the Hawaiian monk seals being on the endangered species list

I think that the Canadian government should not ban the seal hunt because it is humane. Most people do not think it is humane because of the way that media portrays the hunt. It is true that before rules were set, the seal hunt was out of control. But now, after all the changes to the hunt, people still think that it is out of hand. Why? People who are against the hunt use outdated pictures and statistics, which trick people into believing that the seal hunt is inhumane. Also, most people care about the hunt because the pictures that people often show are of harp seals, which are known to be very cute. This makes people feel more sympathy than they would to an animal, which is not as cute as the harp seal. Another point on the media is that

Baby harp seals are disappearing in population because of the climate change going on near their habitat. These pups are constantly drowning and being crushed by melting ice every day. If this keeps occurring, they will quickly stop breeding and eventually become extinct. Although they are not endangered, baby harp seals are passing by the minute. If you think this is unacceptable and want them to be saved: choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases, replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, use a clothesline instead of a dryer when possible, cover your pots when cooking, and speak up to the public about how others can do these things too!

The population decline in monk seals is due to several different factors with the biggest reason due to the low pup and juvenile survival rates (Curtice et al, 2011). At the Kure Atoll on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, 32 pups were observed in 1964 and 30 pups were observed in 1965. Of these pups born, all but one died or disappeared within 60 days after birth. This was also seen in the 1970’s at Green Island and Kure Atoll, where a mean population of 17 and 14 seals, respectively, was counted on these beaches, with a birth total of 10 showing a population decline of 70% (Gilmartin et al, 2011). The juvenile survival rate is still seen today with one in five monk seals surviving to the reproductive age, with one year old seals having the highest mortality rates (Norris et al, 2011).

This creature is known as a harbor seal and was found on October 23rd, 1805 near the Columbia river, 100 miles away from the Pacific Ocean. and found in fresh water. They are also known to be found on the coast of California, they are often found laying on rocks on sandy beaches.

It is always said that there is safety in numbers and that is true for seals because if a predator where to come there would be many other seals for it to try to get. It may also be warded off in all of the confusion. Another point, it says that Kotick went in inland, this keeps him safe from being swept out to sea, being eaten by orcas on the shore. And finally to stay out of the way of the fighting males on the beach.

“Splish! Splash!” The sound of bottlenose dolphins jumping and swimming around their tank excites a family at SeaWorld as they wait to experience their first encounter with the dolphins. Every year, bottlenose dolphins bring joy to hundreds of people in both captivity and the wild, but what do people truly know about them? Bottlenose dolphins are actually unique and interesting creatures.