Jun 27, 2025
BY: ET Online8 marine animals on the verge of extinction globally
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Found in tropical waters, this turtle is hunted for its shell. Pollution and coral reef loss also threaten its survival.
Image Source: iStock
North Atlantic Right Whale
Fewer than 350 remain. Ship strikes, fishing nets, and ocean noise pollution are driving this whale toward extinction.
Image Source: iStock
Angelshark
Once common in European waters, the Angelshark is now critically endangered due to bottom trawling and habitat destruction.
Image Source: iStock
Vaquita
The world’s rarest marine mammal, this tiny porpoise from Mexico’s Gulf of California may vanish within years due to illegal fishing nets.
Image Source: iStock
Giant Chinese Horseshoe Crab
This ancient species faces extinction due to habitat loss, overharvesting, and pollution in East Asia’s coastal zones.
Image Source: iStock
Napoleon Wrasse
A coral reef dweller, it’s endangered from overfishing and illegal live reef fish trade in Southeast Asia.
Image Source: iStock
Blue Whale (Certain Populations)
Though protected globally, some blue whale populations remain critically low due to past whaling and current ocean noise pollution.
Image Source: iStock
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
The world’s rarest sea turtle, it’s critically endangered due to habitat loss, shrimp trawling, and climate-driven nesting disruptions along Gulf coasts.
Image Source: iStock
Thanks For Reading!