The Endangered Species Act of 1973 has protected countless species from going extinct for the past half century.  But as the protections they rely on face ongoing attacks from the U.S. government, let’s take a look back at why this landmark law was created, what it does, and how it is helping save these five marine animals from extinction. We must stand in its defense: https://oceana.ly/42vOuSR — Get Involved — Subscribe to Oceana so you don't miss a new video! https://oceana.ly/subscribe Become a Wavemaker to stand for oceans: https://oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z And keep up with Oceana on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceana/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceana X: https://twitter.com/oceana TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oceana — Video Chapters — 0:00 Endangered Species Act origins 1:12 Green sea turtles 2:12 Brown pelicans 3:11 Sea otters 4:20 Humpback whales 6:04 Giant oceanic manta rays 7:12 What's next for the ESA? #endangeredspecies #endangeredspeciesday #wildlifeconservation

Microplastics are pervasive, infiltrating our environment, bodies, and food globally. Their widespread presence is no longer a secret, with public awareness growing almost as fast as the particles themselves.

Given this established ubiquity, it's time for action. Learn more about microplastics and what Oceana is doing to address the plastic crisis: oceana.ly/4eCNZgZ

The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill devastated California's coast, catalyzing the environmental movement. We highlight five of the worst U.S. oil spills, demonstrating that where drilling occurs, spills follow, harming our oceans, marine life, and coastal communities.

Oppose the U.S. government’s proposed expansion of offshore drilling: https://oceana.ly/ProtectOurCoasts

Brown pelicans, once decimated by the feather trade and toxic pesticides, made a remarkable recovery. Following the U.S. ban of DDT and habitat protections under the ESA, their populations rebounded, leading to their full removal from the endangered species list by 2009.

Leading up to Endangered Species Day on May 15, we're highlighting marine animals protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Join us in defending this landmark law and species like these: https://oceana.ly/ESA

The marine iguana is the only lizard globally that forages in the ocean, making it a truly unique reptile. 🦎

Learn more about marine iguanas and other species in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: https://oceana.ly/marineiguana

On Daram Island, Philippines, illegal fishing has severely depleted local fisheries, causing malnutrition. A group of women are now bravely confronting these practices at sea to protect their community and livelihoods. This is their inspiring story.

Learn more about Oceana's vital work in the Philippines: https://ph.oceana.org/. Get involved by subscribing for updates: https://oceana.ly/subscribe, or become a Wavemaker to support ocean conservation: https://oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z.

Sea otters are remarkable for their use of rocks as tools to crack open shells.

Explore more about these fascinating marine mammals in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: oceana.ly/seaotter

Our blue planet's oceans cover over two-thirds of its surface, connecting us all. Yet, these vital waters are increasingly under threat.

Oceana works to protect marine life, coastal communities, and our climate. This critical mission requires collective effort, as we cannot succeed alone.

Today marks 16 years since the Deepwater Horizon blowout, the worst oil spill in U.S. history. This disaster, like others, underscores a critical truth: where there's drilling, there's spilling.

Such incidents devastate our oceans, marine life, and coastal communities. We are highlighting five of the worst U.S. oil spills to emphasize this risk. Join us in opposing the U.S. government’s proposed expansion of offshore drilling: Protect Our Coasts.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching lengths of nearly 65 feet.

Explore more about these impressive creatures in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

Green turtles faced extinction due to heavy hunting until the Endangered Species Act (ESA) provided a lifeline in the 1970s.

Leading up to Endangered Species Day on May 15, we will highlight five marine animals protected by the U.S. ESA. Join us in defending this landmark law and these species.

Learn more and take action here: https://oceana.ly/ESA

Scientists recently captured rare underwater footage of a Greenland shark in Arctic Canadian waters, offering a unique glimpse into the world of this elusive species.

Belonging to the "sleeper shark" family due to their slow growth and low activity, Greenland sharks are remarkable for their extreme longevity. With some individuals estimated to live nearly 400 years, they are recognized as the longest-lived vertebrates on Earth.

Learn more: https://oceana.ly/3PVSOaT

Narwhals, often called "unicorns of the sea," are known for their distinctive "horn," which is actually an elongated tooth. Learn more about these fascinating marine mammals in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: oceana.ly/narwhal

Footage is courtesy of O’Corry-Crowe G et al. (2025) Use of tusks by narwhals, Monodon monoceros, in foraging, exploratory, and play behavior. Front. Mar. Sci. 12:1518605. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1518605

Sonia Kwami, Oceana's new leader in Ghana, is committed to protecting Ghana's fisheries. Raised in an ocean-dependent community, she understands how healthy waters sustain livelihoods and the impact of depletion.

At a crucial time for Ghana's coastal communities, Sonia spearheads Oceana's on-the-ground efforts, viewing her leadership as a continuation of a lifelong dedication to environmental justice.

Learn more about Oceana’s work in Ghana: ghana.oceana.org. Subscribe: oceana.ly/subscribe. Become a Wavemaker: oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z. Connect on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Kelp forests are towering underwater ecosystems, reaching heights of 175 feet. These vital environments provide food and shelter for thousands of marine species.

Beyond supporting diverse marine life, kelp and other marine algae actively capture and store carbon dioxide. This makes these ecosystems crucial in the fight against climate change.

The Arctic tern holds the record for the longest migration of any animal on Earth.

To learn more about these incredible birds, explore our Marine Life Encyclopedia: oceana.ly/arctictern

Elephant seals are known for their distinctive large noses, resembling an elephant's trunk. 🐘 🦭

Discover more about southern elephant seals in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world's most critically endangered animals, yet many are unaware of its plight. Learn essential facts about these magnificent creatures from Oceana marine scientist Nora Ives.

Oceana actively campaigns to protect these whales from extinction. Discover more about our vital efforts and how you can contribute to their survival by visiting: oceana.org/rightwhaletosave.

Join our mission to save the oceans. Subscribe for updates: oceana.ly/subscribe, or become a Wavemaker and stand for marine life: oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z.

A new Congressional bill threatens to weaken the Endangered Species Act, jeopardizing countless animals with extinction.

You can help stop this. Donate now to make a difference at oceana.org/donate.

The oceans are signaling an urgent need for environmental action.

Addressing this crisis requires essential ocean-based solutions, which are critical for achieving a one-third reduction in global emissions.