The world’s waters host over 40 species of dolphins. The most common species are the bottle-nose dolphin that inhabit all regions of the planet, except the Antarctic and Arctic oceans. Dolphins are also part of the family of whales that include orcas and pilot whales. Orcas (also known as killer whales) are the largest dolphin species and can grow to about 25 feet in length and weigh almost 19,000 pounds. Dolphins can live long lives — for example, orcas can live to be 70 to 80 years old, while bottle-nose dolphins can live over 40 years.
The ocean is becoming increasingly hazardous to dolphins. Pollution, microplastics, toxic algae and climate change are threatening dolphin’s food sources and wellbeing. If conditions don’t change, dolphins will be in greater and greater danger of illness and death.
Seabirds get their primary source of food from the ocean and are specially adapted to live and hunt near water. They come in many different shapes and sizes — from penguins to albatrosses to terns. Some can fly long distances (sometimes, as many as tens of thousand of kilometers) and in very strong winds, while others have developed bodies and feathers that allow them to swim better than fly.
The main threats to seabirds include climate change, pollution, the decline of their natural habitats and being accidentally caught by commercial fishing operations. Cleaning up our oceans and atmosphere will ensure these wondrous creatures can continue to thrive.
“Octopuses can change color to match their surroundings and squirt out ink to defend themselves from predators.”
With nearly 300 species of octopuses that range from a few inches in length to 16 feet, these creatures are some of the most fascinating in the sea. They have a variety of interesting characteristics, including three hearts, eight arms, no bones, and if they lose an arm, they can regrow it.
Like other marine animals, octopuses face threats to their ocean habitat and the degradation of their food sources because of climate change and pollution. By cleaning up and protecting our waters and environment, we can keep these incredible creatures strong and healthy.