List of Vulnerable and Endangered Starfish Species with Population Size :
 

1. Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia Helianthoides)

   • Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List).
   • Population Count: Populations have declined by over 90% across much of their range. In some areas, they are locally extinct.
     
      

2. Giant Sea Star (Pisaster Giganteus)

   • Status: Vulnerable in certain regions.
   • Population Count: Specific population numbers are not well-documented, but declines have been observed in areas affected by sea star wasting syndrome.
     
      

3. Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster Planci)

   • Status: Considered problematic in some areas, vulnerable in others due to varying population dynamics.
   • Population Count: Population counts vary widely; they can be sparse in some areas but outbreak levels in others (e.g., outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef).
     
      

4. Ochre Sea Star (Pisaster Ochraceus)

   • Status: Populations have declined in some areas due to sea star wasting syndrome, but not officially listed as endangered or vulnerable.
   • Population Count: Significant declines have been observed, with some areas reporting up to 80-90% reduction in population.
     
      

5. Northern Pacific Sea Star (Asterias Amurensis)

   • Status: Invasive in some regions, but populations in native ranges are under threat.
   • Population Count: No specific numbers available; invasive populations can reach high densities, while native populations face declines.
     
      

6. Purple Sea Star (Pisaster Ochraceus)

   • Status: Also affected by sea star wasting syndrome, leading to regional declines.
   • Population Count: Similar to the Ochre Sea Star, with regional declines of up to 80-90% in some affected areas.
      

The conservation status of starfish can vary by region and specific threats. To get the most current and comprehensive information, checking the IUCN Red List or similar databases is recommended.

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

WAYS TO STOP AND PREVENT

Threatened animals in the Atlantic Ocean, along with their population estimates where available. Please note that population estimates can vary and change over time, so these numbers should be taken as approximate.

 

Vulnerable (VU) Species in the Atlantic Ocean
 

Mammals :

- West Indian Manatee ( Trichechus Manatus )








 

- Population : Estimated 13,000 individuals.

 

Fish :

- Atlantic Bluefin Tuna ( Thunnus Thynnus )








 

- Population : Rough estimates suggest tens of thousands, but precise numbers are difficult to determine due to fishing pressures.
 

- Oceanic Whitetip Shark ( Carcharhinus Longimanus )








 

- Population : Declining, no precise global estimate.

 

Invertebrates :

- Queen Conch ( Lobatus Gigas )








 

- Population : Varies by location, with some populations severely depleted.

 

Endangered (EN) Species in the Atlantic Ocean
 

Mammals :

- Blue Whale ( Balaenoptera Musculus )








 

- Population : Approximately 10,000-25,000 individuals globally.
 

- Sei Whale ( Balaenoptera Borealis )








 

- Population : Around 80,000 individuals globally, but only a portion reside in the Atlantic.

 

Fish :

- Atlantic Sturgeon ( Acipenser Oxyrinchus Oxyrinchus )








 

- Population : Tens of thousands in total, with significant regional variation.
 

- Scalloped Hammerhead Shark ( Sphyrna lewini )








 

- Population : Declining, no precise global estimate.

 

Invertebrates :

- Caribbean Coral ( Acropora Cervicornis )








 

- Population : Significant declines, with some areas experiencing over 90% reduction.
 

- Elkhorn Coral ( Acropora palmata )








 

- Population : Similar significant declines as Caribbean Coral.

 

Critically Endangered (CR) Species in the Atlantic Ocean

Mammals :

- North Atlantic Right Whale ( Eubalaena Glacialis )








 

- Population: Approximately 340 - 360 individuals.
 

- Mediterranean Monk Seal ( Monachus monachus )








 

- Population : Around 700 individuals.

 

Fish :

- European Eel ( Anguilla Anguilla )








 

- Population : Drastically reduced, with a decline of over 90% in the last few decades.
 

- Smalltooth Sawfish ( Pristis Pectinata )








 

- Population : Extremely low, possibly fewer than 200 individuals in certain areas.

 

Invertebrates :

- Pillar Coral ( Dendrogyra Cylindrus )








 

- Population : Significant declines, particularly due to disease and bleaching events.

 

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting the IUCN Red List or other conservation databases is recommended.

Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems, and certain ingredients in sunscreens and other personal care products can be harmful to them. Here are some ingredients commonly found in sunscreens and personal care products that are not considered coral-reef safe:
 

Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
 

• Description: A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and UVA II rays.
• Impact: Causes coral bleaching by disrupting the development of coral larvae and increasing their susceptibility to bleaching.
   

Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
 

• Description: A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
• Impact: Contributes to coral bleaching and has been shown to disrupt hormone function in marine life.
   

Octocrylene
 

• Description: A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and short UVA rays.
• Impact: Can accumulate in aquatic organisms and has been associated with coral bleaching.
   

Homosalate
 

• Description: A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
• Impact: Has potential endocrine-disrupting effects and may impact coral and marine life.
   

4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC)
 

• Description: A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
• Impact: Potential endocrine disruptor and may contribute to coral bleaching.
   

Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben)
 

• Description: Preservatives used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products.
• Impact: Can act as endocrine disruptors and have been found in marine environments, affecting coral and marine life.
   

Triclosan
 

• Description: An antibacterial and antifungal agent found in some personal care products.
• Impact: Harmful to marine life and can contribute to coral bleaching.
   

PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)
 

• Description: An older chemical sunscreen agent.
• Impact: Can be harmful to marine life and contribute to coral bleaching.
   

Titanium Dioxide (Nano-sized) and Zinc Oxide (Nano-Sized)
 

• Description: Physical sunscreen agents that reflect UV rays.
• Impact: When in nano-sized form, these can be toxic to marine life, including coral reefs.
   

Butylparaben
 

• Description: A paraben used as a preservative in personal care products.
• Impact: Endocrine disruptor and harmful to marine life, including coral reefs.
   

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
 

• Description: Retinyl Palmitate is a derivative of vitamin A used in skincare products for its anti-aging and skin-renewing properties.
• Impact: Its environmental impact on marine life is not well-studied, but as a synthetic compound, it could potentially contribute to water pollution if not properly disposed of.
   

Ethylparaben
 

• Description: Ethylparaben is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent microbial growth.
• Impact: It can accumulate in marine environments and has been shown to have toxic effects on aquatic organisms, potentially disrupting ecosystems.
   

Benzophenone-4 (BP-4)
 

• Description: Benzophenone-4 is a chemical filter used in sunscreens to protect the skin from UVB and some UVA rays.
• Impact: It can contribute to coral bleaching and is harmful to marine life, disrupting reproductive and developmental processes in aquatic organisms.

To protect coral reefs, it is recommended to use mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano titanium dioxide or non-nano zinc oxide, and to avoid products containing the above-listed ingredients.

Reasons These Animals Are Threaten and Endangered Species
West Indian Manatee (Trichechus Manatus)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Habitat Loss: Coastal development and destruction of seagrass beds.
  • Boat Collisions: High mortality rates due to collisions with boats.
     
  • Average Speed of Animal : 3-5 mph (4.8-8 km/h)
  • Burst Speed: Up to 15 mph (24 km/h) for short periods
     
  • Pollution: Water pollution affects their habitat and food sources.
  • Entanglement: Getting caught in fishing gear and debris.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus Thynnus)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Overfishing: High demand for sushi and sashimi, leading to overfishing.
  • Bycatch: Unintentional capture in other fisheries.
  • Illegal Fishing: Non-compliance with fishing quotas and regulations.

Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus Longimanus)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Overfishing: Targeted for their fins, meat, and oil.
  • Bycatch: Frequently caught in tuna and swordfish fisheries.
  • Slow Reproduction: Low reproductive rates make population recovery difficult.

Queen Conch (Lobatus Gigas)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Overharvesting: Harvested for meat and shells.
  • Habitat Degradation: Loss of seagrass beds and coral reefs.
  • Illegal Fishing: Harvesting of juveniles and in protected areas.

Blue Whale (Balaenoptera Musculus)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Whaling: Historically decimated populations.
  • Ship Strikes: Collisions with vessels.
     
  • Average Speed of Animal : 5 mph (8 km/h) while cruising
  • Burst Speed: Up to 20 mph (32 km/h) when alarmed
     
  • Noise Pollution: Disrupts communication and navigation.
  • Climate Change: Affects their food supply, mainly krill.

Sei Whale (Balaenoptera Borealis)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Whaling: Historically overhunted.
  • Ship Strikes: Vulnerable to collisions.
     
  • Average Speed of Animal : 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h)
  • Burst Speed: Up to 34 mph (55 km/h), making them one of the fastest whales
     
  • Bycatch: Incidental capture in fishing gear.
  • Climate Change: Affects prey availability.

Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser Oxyrinchus Oxyrinchus)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Overfishing: Targeted for caviar and meat.
  • Habitat Loss: Dam construction and river modification.
  • Pollution: Contaminants in water bodies.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna Lewini)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Overfishing: Finned for shark fin soup.
  • Bycatch: High mortality in fishing gear.
  • Habitat Degradation: Loss of coastal nursery areas.

Caribbean Coral (Acropora Cervicornis)
and Elkhorn Coral (Acropora Palmata)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Climate Change: Ocean warming and acidification.
  • Coral Bleaching: Elevated water temperatures.
  • Diseases: Increased prevalence of coral diseases.
  • Pollution: Runoff and sedimentation.

North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena Glacialis)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Whaling: Historically hunted to near extinction.
  • Ship Strikes: Major cause of mortality.
     
  • Average Speed of Animal : 5-6 mph (8-10 km/h)
  • Burst Speed: Up to 10 mph (16 km/h) for short distances
     
  • Entanglement: In fishing gear and marine debris.
  • Noise Pollution: Interferes with communication and reproduction.

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus Monachus)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Habitat Loss: Coastal development and human disturbance.
  • Hunting: Historically hunted for oil and skins.
  • Fishing Gear: Entanglement and competition for fish.

European Eel (Anguilla Anguilla)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Overfishing: High demand for eel meat.
  • Habitat Loss: Barriers to migration, such as dams.
  • Pollution: Contaminants in freshwater and coastal habitats.
  • Climate Change: Affects migration and spawning.

Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis Pectinata)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Overfishing: Targeted for their rostrums (saws) and fins.
  • Bycatch: High mortality in fishing gear.
  • Habitat Loss: Degradation of coastal and estuarine habitats.

Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra Cylindrus)

• Reasons for Endangerment:
  • Climate Change: Ocean warming and acidification.
  • Coral Bleaching: Due to elevated temperatures.
  • Diseases: Susceptible to various coral diseases.
  • Pollution: Runoff and sedimentation affecting coral health.
     

These species are facing significant threats from human activities and environmental changes, necessitating urgent conservation efforts to prevent further declines and promote recovery.

  Reasons for Ship Strikes  

1. Slow Swimming Speeds: These animals often swim at slower speeds, making them less able to quickly avoid oncoming ships.
    
2. Surface Feeding and Breathing: Many of these species spend significant time at the surface for feeding and breathing, increasing their risk of being struck.
    
3. Busy Shipping Lanes: Many whale and manatee habitats overlap with busy shipping lanes, leading to increased chances of collisions.
    
4. Low Visibility: In poor visibility conditions (e.g., nighttime, fog), ships may not see the animals in time to avoid collisions.
    
5. Large Ship Sizes: Large vessels have limited maneuverability and take longer to stop or change course, making it difficult to avoid collisions even if the animal is spotted.

  Alternatives to Protect and Avoid Harming These Animals  

1. Speed Restrictions:

   • Imposing speed limits in areas known to be inhabited by these species can reduce the likelihood of collisions.
   • Implementing seasonal speed limits during migration and breeding seasons.
      

2. Shipping Lane Adjustments:

   • Rerouting shipping lanes away from critical habitats and feeding grounds.
   • Creating designated marine protected areas where ships are restricted or prohibited.
      

3. Use of Technology:

   • Equipping ships with sonar and other detection technologies to help identify the presence of marine animals.
   • Implementing real-time tracking systems to alert ships about the presence of whales and manatees.
      

4. Increased Awareness and Training:

   • Training ship crews to recognize and respond appropriately to the presence of marine animals.
   • Educating mariners about the importance of protecting endangered species and the measures they can take to avoid collisions.
      

5. Implementing Marine Traffic Separation Schemes:

   • Establishing separation zones to keep large vessels away from areas frequented by these species.
   • Using traffic separation schemes similar to air traffic control for planes to manage marine traffic more effectively.
      

6. Monitoring and Research:

   • Conducting ongoing research to better understand the migration patterns and habitat use of these animals.
   • Implementing monitoring programs to track the effectiveness of protective measures and adjust them as needed.
      

7. Using Whale-Friendly Hull Designs:

   • Designing ship hulls that minimize the risk of severe injury to whales in the event of a collision.
   • Developing and using propeller guards and other protective devices.
      

By implementing these measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of ship strikes and better protect these endangered marine species.
 

Provided education on the issues listed and how they have severely impacted marine ecosystems and the species within them over the years.
Here is information on each issue, along with where they occur, how much they have happened, and their effects.

Ship Strikes

• Occurrence: Global, especially in busy shipping lanes and near coastal regions.
• Extent: Thousands of large marine animals, such as whales and manatees, are killed or injured each year.
• Effects: Causes injury or death to marine mammals, leading to population declines and affecting species recovery.

Habitat Loss

• Occurrence: Coastal areas worldwide, especially where urban development, agriculture, and industry expand.
• Extent: Significant loss of mangroves, seagrass beds, and coastal wetlands.
• Effects: Loss of critical breeding, feeding, and nursery areas for marine species, leading to declines in populations and biodiversity.

Habitat Degradation

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in heavily industrialized or urbanized coastal regions.
• Extent: Extensive degradation of coral reefs, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems due to pollution and physical damage.
• Effects: Reduced habitat quality, affecting species' ability to feed, breed, and thrive, leading to declines in marine populations.

Pollution

• Occurrence: Global, especially near densely populated coastal areas and river mouths.
• Extent: Widespread pollution from plastics, chemicals, oil spills, and agricultural runoff.
• Effects: Toxicity and physical harm to marine life, disruptions in reproductive and feeding behaviors, and contamination of the food web.

Fishing Gear

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in regions with intensive fishing activities.
• Extent: Extensive use of gear such as nets, lines, and traps.
• Effects: Physical damage to marine habitats, entanglement of non-target species, and ghost fishing (abandoned gear continuing to catch marine life).

Entanglement

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in areas with high fishing activity.
• Extent: Hundreds of thousands of marine animals entangled in fishing gear and debris annually.
• Effects: Injury, stress, and death of marine animals such as whales, turtles, and seabirds, leading to population declines.

Overfishing

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in regions with intensive commercial fishing.
• Extent: Many fish stocks have been depleted to unsustainable levels.
• Effects: Collapse of fish populations, disruption of marine food webs, and economic impacts on fishing communities.

Bycatch

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in large-scale commercial fishing operations.
• Extent: Millions of non-target species caught and discarded each year.
• Effects: Mortality and population declines of non-target species, including dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.

Illegal Fishing

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in regions with weak enforcement of fishing regulations.
• Extent: Significant, contributing to overfishing and depletion of marine resources.
• Effects: Further declines in fish stocks, undermining conservation efforts and harming legal fisheries.

Overharvesting

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in regions where demand for marine products is high.
• Extent: Extensive, affecting species such as sea cucumbers, abalone, and sharks.
• Effects: Depletion of populations, disruption of ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity.

Whaling

• Occurrence: Historically global, now limited due to international regulations.
• Extent: Drastic reductions in populations of many whale species during the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Effects: Severely reduced whale populations, with some species still struggling to recover.

Hunting

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in regions with traditional subsistence or commercial hunting practices.
• Extent: Significant for species such as seals, sea otters, and turtles.
• Effects: Population declines, disruption of ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity.

Noise Pollution

• Occurrence: Global, particularly in busy shipping lanes and areas with offshore industrial activity.
• Extent: Increasing with growing maritime traffic and industrialization.
• Effects: Disrupts communication, navigation, and breeding in marine mammals, leading to stress and behavioral changes.

Slow Reproduction

• Occurrence: Affects many marine species globally.
• Extent: Inherent biological characteristic.
• Effects: Makes populations more vulnerable to overexploitation and slower to recover from declines.

Coral Bleaching

• Occurrence: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
• Extent: Severe and widespread during periods of elevated sea temperatures.
• Effects: Loss of coral cover, degradation of reef ecosystems, and declines in biodiversity and fishery resources.

Climate Change

• Occurrence: Global.
• Extent: Widespread and increasing impacts.
• Effects: Ocean warming, acidification, and changes in sea level and currents, affecting species' habitats, distribution, and food availability.

Diseases

• Occurrence: Global, affecting a variety of marine species.
• Extent: Increasing with environmental stressors and climate change.
• Effects: Mass mortality events, population declines, and disruption of marine ecosystems.
   

Specific Examples and Data

Ship Strikes

• North Atlantic Right Whales: Approximately 30% of known deaths are due to ship strikes.

Habitat Loss

• Mangroves: An estimated 35% of global mangrove area has been lost in the last few decades.

Pollution

• Plastics: Around 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually.

Overfishing

• Global Fish Stocks: About 34% of global fish stocks are overfished.

Coral Bleaching

• Great Barrier Reef: Experienced severe bleaching events in 2016, 2017, and 2020, affecting two-thirds of the reef.
  
   

Mitigation and Conservation Efforts

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing MPAs to conserve critical habitats.
   
• Regulations and Enforcement: Strengthening laws and enforcement against illegal fishing and pollution.
   
• Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable fishing and reducing bycatch.
   
• Research and Monitoring: Conducting research to understand and mitigate impacts.
   
• Public Awareness: Increasing awareness and involvement in conservation efforts.
  
   

Understanding and addressing these threats is crucial for the conservation and recovery of marine species and ecosystems.