A recent United Nations report indicates that one million species face extinction. However, it's not too late to reverse this trend.

Conservation efforts, like the Endangered Species Act (ESA), are vital for reducing extinction risks. Urge Congress to #StopExtinction and oppose any attacks on the ESA today: https://bit.ly/30XkGNG

President Trump's proposed FY2020 budget includes deep cuts to federal ocean programs, posing a significant threat to marine environments.

Among these reductions is the elimination of the Marine Mammal Commission, an agency crucial for protecting marine mammals and their vital habitats.

Act now: Tell your members of Congress to oppose this ocean-harming budget. Add your name here.

Despite reports that President Trump is "sidelining" his offshore drilling plan, vigilance remains essential. Until expanding offshore drilling is completely off the table, efforts to #ProtectOurCoast will continue.

On May 25, 2019, thousands demonstrated this commitment by gathering at beaches nationwide for "Hands Across the Sand," protesting dirty and dangerous offshore drilling: https://bit.ly/2KjJBVM.

Sperm whales are washing ashore dead across Italy, many found with pounds of plastic pollution in their stomachs.

This tragic situation underscores the urgent need for companies to offer plastic-free product alternatives. It's time to demand change.

Take the pledge to #BreakFreeFromPlastic: https://bit.ly/2wDiRrD

Tackling plastic waste is a critical obstacle to achieving a circular economy. At the 2019 Pacific Summit, Kosi Latu, Deputy Director of SPREP, discussed the challenges facing the Pacific region and potential solutions.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a UK charity launched in 2010 by world record-breaking sailor Ellen MacArthur, is a global thought leader accelerating the transition to a circular economy.

Learn more about their work at ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, subscribe to their YouTube channel, or connect on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium.

Ocean plastic is a solvable issue requiring personal responsibility and practical solutions. The Seabin Project, a crowdfunded invention, exemplifies a promising reactive approach. These bins effectively collect floating plastics, oil, and micro-plastics down to 2mm in marinas.

While Seabins are effective, they are not the ultimate solution. The project's 50% for-profit, 50% not-for-profit model supports education, science, research, and community engagement, which are considered the real long-term answers. This topic was discussed at a TEDx event; learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Sharks play a vital role in marine ecosystems, but they face a significant threat from the shark fin trade. Protecting these essential ocean predators is crucial for ocean health.

Do your part to help sharks. Urge your member of Congress to support a nationwide ban on shark fin trade by adding your name here: https://bit.ly/2JDbGHu #FinBanNow

Dolphins can swim immediately after birth, yet remain fully dependent on their mothers' milk for almost two years.

For more information on dolphins, visit Oceana's Marine Encyclopedia: https://bit.ly/2VnWIak

Type D orcas are highly likely to be a new species, exhibiting a distinct appearance compared to other orca types.

Can you spot the difference?

Emperor penguins exhibit a remarkable nesting cycle, a testament to their adaptability in harsh environments.

For a deeper dive into their unique behaviors and life history, explore Oceana's Marine Encyclopedia.

Taking steps to reduce plastic consumption is crucial for environmental health.

If you're ready to #BreakFreeFromPlastic, a great starting point is to identify and eliminate seven common products from your daily routine. These simple changes can significantly reduce your plastic footprint right now.

Sara Aminzadeh, Commissioner with the California Coastal Commission, stresses the need for constant vigilance in protecting oceans from pollution.

She emphasizes that public and environmental health protection must evolve to keep pace with the risks and potential harm posed by rapid industrial and technological innovations.

To effectively scale solutions for ocean health, they must be profitable. In today's capital-driven society, investing in ocean tech entrepreneurs is essential for driving truly scalable change.

This approach is advocated by Daniela Fernandez, Founder and CEO of the Sustainable Ocean Alliance.

Stand up for polar bears and protect the Arctic. New offshore drilling poses a dangerous threat to this vital ecosystem and its wildlife.

Add your name to say NO to these plans. Take action now: Protect Our Coast.

Baby sea turtles are dying due to ingested microplastics, highlighting an urgent environmental crisis.

You can help protect marine life. Take the pledge to #BreakFreeFromPlastic and make a difference: https://bit.ly/2UHjppR

This Earth Day, our focus is on protecting species. Discover five marine species that urgently need your help today.

We urge you to take action. Add your name to tell your members of Congress to oppose any legislation that would weaken the Endangered Species Act.

Learn more and make your voice heard: https://bit.ly/2PmbZaB

Manatees and dugongs, though distinct, share many common threats.

Join the fight against extinction. Add your name now: #StopExtinction

The jackass penguin earned its name from its donkey-like call. This unique species is restricted to the waters and rocky shores of southern Africa, making it the only penguin species that nests on the African continent.

For more information about these fascinating birds, visit Oceana's Marine Encyclopedia: Oceana's Marine Encyclopedia.

Simon Bernard, Expedition Leader of Plastic Odyssey, presents the first round-the-world expedition on a boat powered solely by plastic waste. A graduate of the French Merchant Navy Academy, Simon is passionate about environmental solutions. He founded the Plastic Odyssey NGO to reduce ocean pollution by promoting plastic recycling solutions adapted for developing countries.

His talk will explore the mystery of missing plastic, challenging the "continent of plastic" myth. It will also discuss how open innovation can reduce plastic leakage and how we can all contribute to a circular economy. Connect online at @simn_bernard and @PlasticOdyssey.

Narwhals are often called the "unicorns of the sea" due to their distinctive, spiraled tusk. This remarkable appendage, which can grow up to 10 feet long, is actually an elongated tooth.

Despite its prominent appearance, the precise function of the narwhal's tusk has long puzzled scientists. What exactly do these Arctic whales use their unique "horn" for?