POSTED BY LONNIE BOUTTE OF SLANA, ALASKA 10/11/2011
There are many fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. In these fisheries there are many endangered species. The extract below from “Treehugger” names some of them.
‘There are 29 marine mammal species found in the Gulf of Mexico, including such icons as bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, minke whales, sperm whales, and the West Indian manatee. Many of the species of marine mammals found here are threatened or endangered.
The gulf is home to five species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, including Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, Hawksbill sea turtles, Green sea turtles, Loggerhead sea turtles and Leatherback sea turtles.
A diver and shark in the Gulf of Mexico off Key West in 1986, via Florida Keys — Public Libraries on Flickr CC
As many as 49 shark species are known to inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, including Silky, Bull, Lemon, Oceanic whitetip, Dusky, Tiger, Thresher, several species of hammerhead, and even whale sharks, just to name a few. As with marine mammals and turtles, may of these once populous species are also threatened, endangered or are species of concern.
Photo by zappowbang via Flickr CC
Isla Holbox was uncovered just a few years ago as a prime place to see whale sharks feeding in large groups during their annual migrations. The area is now struggling to balance an ecotourism industry with protecting these gentle giants.
Sargassum is a widespread genus of seaweed that creates floating oases for marine species, from sea turtles and seahorses to tuna and billfish, and patches can become so large and dense they can be detected from space.
Image via USFWS Endangered Species via Flickr CC
Manatees are an iconic figure of Florida’s coasts. They can reach up to 12 feet in length and weigh more than 1,500 pounds, but only 5,000 remain in the wild as run-ins with boaters and loss of coastal habitat impact populations.’
FULL URL:
https://www.treehugger.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2011/10/48-facts-you-should-know-about-the-gulf-of-mexico.php
Very nice, pertinent, and relevant! Lots of lovely charismatic megafauna too. 🙂