1. Over 1,550 marine animals and plants are now at risk of extinction, according to the IUCN Red List.
Dugongs are among the new species identified to be threatened with extinction, with less than 250 mature individuals in East Africa and under 900 in New Caledonia.
Dugongs are among the new species identified to be threatened with extinction, with less than 250 mature individuals in East Africa and under 900 in New Caledonia.
2. The IUCN says the primary threats dugongs face are unintentional capture in fishing gear in East Africa and poaching in New Caledonia.
In East Africa, human activity in the oceans, such as oil and gas exploration, also destroys the seagrasses that dugongs depend on for food.
In East Africa, human activity in the oceans, such as oil and gas exploration, also destroys the seagrasses that dugongs depend on for food.
3. The organisation also says that 44% of abalone shellfish species are at risk of extinction.
It highlights that abalone species are sold as some of the worldβs most expensive seafood and are especially vulnerable to poaching and unsustainable fishing practices.
It highlights that abalone species are sold as some of the worldβs most expensive seafood and are especially vulnerable to poaching and unsustainable fishing practices.
4. βWith this devastating IUCN Red List update, it is clear that business as usual is no longer an option,β says Ashleigh McGovern, Vice President at the Center for Oceans at Conservation International.
βIf we are to secure a new future for the world's oceans, we must act now.β
βIf we are to secure a new future for the world's oceans, we must act now.β
5. IUCNβs press release:
iucn.org
iucn.org
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