Marine Species Report Card Debuts

 

Aquarium of the Pacific Grades 30 Species

 

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

The Aquarium of the Pacific, in Long Beach, CA, debuted its new Marine Species Report Card grading the status of 30 species of aquatic animals and plants, from fish, mammals and birds to kelp and algae.

 

Working since 2023 with scientific institutions throughout California, the Aquarium has been compiling information on each of these species to discover population trends, vulnerabilities, successes, challenges and needs to maintain and improve the well-being of each species. 

 

By knowing which species are thriving and which species are in danger, attention and resources can be directed accordingly.

 

One of the species receiving high marks is the southern sea otter. Not long ago, its population had fallen to an all-time low of just 32 otters. Now, thanks to conservation efforts, the number of southern sea otters has risen to almost 3,000. 

Bull kelp, a less visible but essential ocean species, unfortunately is failing. Its underwater kelp forests have been drastically dropping. In the past decade it has been reduced by more than 95 percent.

 

This poor grade affects more than the kelp itself, but all the animals that depend on the kelp forests for food and shelter. And humans, too, since kelp produces oxygen and helps protect shorelines from erosion. 

 

The report card data is extensive, covering the past 25 years, and it's hoped that more species will be added to the initial list. The Aquarium is excited about what it's learned, noting that "only by knowing what is going on with species can we hope to foster a vibrant natural world."

Along with the otters, other species with strong grades include the giant sea bass, Northern anchovy and green sea turtle.

 

Among those at risk are the harbor seal, sunflower sea star and white abalone. For the full list, check out the Aquarium website. 

 

This is one report card that we all can learn from! 

 

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

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