The USA has a wide variety of marine life along its coasts. From the Pacific to the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s a lot to see. Over 30 species of marine mammals live here, like whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions.
The West Coast is especially rich in marine life. NOAA Fisheries says 22 marine mammals are endangered, with 10 found off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. This shows how important it is to protect our oceans.
Iconic species like gray whales, humpback whales, harbor seals, and California sea lions live here. They are not just amazing to see, but also help keep our coasts healthy. Places like Redwood National and State Parks are great for watching these creatures in their natural home.
Let’s learn more about the unique marine life in the USA. We’ll see how we protect it and what makes our waters so diverse.
USA marine life: Protected Species and Conservation
The United States is serious about protecting marine life. It has over 560 National Wildlife Refuges and 70 national fish hatcheries. This shows the country’s commitment to saving endangered marine species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has nearly 8,000 dedicated staff. They lead these conservation efforts.
Marine Mammal Protection Act Overview
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is key to marine conservation in the USA. It stops people from harassing, feeding, hunting, or killing marine mammals. This law works with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to protect 22 marine species.
Endangered Species Management
There are plans to help endangered species and reduce ship strikes. The West Coast Region Stranding Hotline and Entanglement Reporting Hotline are important. They help protect marine mammals.
These efforts also help with sustainable fishing and protecting coral reefs.
Conservation Programs and Initiatives
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has spent nearly $46 million on the Klamath Basin. They’ve also added 52 new hunting and sport fishing spots. This gives access to about 211,000 acres nationwide.
These actions support marine protected areas. As of 2023, these areas cover over 8% of the world’s oceans.
| Conservation Effort | Impact |
|---|---|
| Marine Protected Areas | Cover 8% of world’s oceans |
| National Wildlife Refuges | Over 560 established |
| National Fish Hatcheries | 70 operational |
Iconic Coastal Marine Mammals of American Waters
The coastal waters of the United States are home to many marine mammals. They offer great chances to see whales and dolphins. These animals amaze visitors and show why we must protect the sea.
Whales and Dolphins Native to US Waters
Gray whales migrate 12,500 miles twice a year. You can see them in December and May. Humpback whales, with their long flippers, are seen in late summer and early fall.
Killer whales, or orcas, live in the Pacific Northwest all year. They are seen in late summer when salmon come in. There are three types of orcas, each with its own way of eating and talking.
Seals and Sea Lions of American Coastlines
Harbor seals live in the area all year. They rest on beaches and rocks. Their babies can swim and are weaned in just four weeks.
Northern elephant seals visit in summer. Steller sea lions, which are threatened, live in small groups on rocks. Adult males can be over 1,200 pounds.
Unique Species of the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest has a rich sea life. River otters and sea otters live in the coastal waters. These animals need our help to survive.
By cleaning up beaches and learning about pollution, we protect these amazing creatures. This way, future generations can enjoy the beauty of our coastal waters.
