2020 IUCN Report Brings Alarming News for Marine Conservation

The 2020 report from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) brings troubling updates for marine conservation, with several species now moving up the Red List of Threatened Species. Among the most significant updates is the reclassification of the giant manta ray, which has gone from Vulnerable to Endangered due to drastic population declines.

The IUCN’s assessment reveals that the giant manta ray population has fallen between 50 and 79% over the past 87 years, with projections indicating a continuing decline. The primary culprit is overfishing, particularly by Asian fleets that target these rays for their gill plates, believed to have medicinal properties. This slow-reproducing species, which produces only one pup every five years, is struggling to survive in the face of such pressures.

While nations like the USA, Australia, the Maldives, and the Philippines have implemented protections for the giant manta ray, enforcement remains inconsistent. The IUCN report states that “paper regulations are proving inadequate,” with little action to manage mobulid fisheries in many areas.

Tourism and Conservation Efforts for Giant Manta Rays

Interestingly, tourism has provided some indirect protection for giant manta rays. In regions across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the growth of marine tourism has encouraged governments to protect local ray populations. Giant manta rays, known for their gentle nature and slow swimming speed, attract divers worldwide, boosting eco-tourism. This exposure has led to increased awareness of the species’ plight and, in some cases, sparked protective measures.

A Growing List of Endangered Species

The IUCN’s 2020 Red List now includes 128,918 species, with 35,765 threatened with extinction. The report lists an additional 31 species as Extinct, including the Lost Shark, a shark species once native to the South China Sea. The loss of this shark and other marine animals has conservationists concerned about the impact of unregulated fishing on marine life. Estimates suggest that nearly 30% of all shark and ray species are now endangered.

Among the other newly listed endangered species is the Tucuxi freshwater dolphin, native to the Amazon River. Previously labeled as Data Deficient, it is now classified as Endangered, marking the last freshwater dolphin species to join the Endangered category. All freshwater dolphin species worldwide now face extinction risks, underscoring the challenges of protecting river and lake ecosystems.

The Call for Global Conservation

In response to the findings, Dr. Bruno Oberle, Director General of the IUCN, stated, “The growing list of Extinct species is a stark reminder that conservation efforts must urgently expand. Addressing threats like unsustainable fisheries, land clearing, and invasive species requires conservation across all sectors.”

Dr. Thomas E. Lacher, Jr., from Texas A&M University, added, “The most emotionally impactful news is the confirmation of extinction. While some threats are easier to mitigate, the need for robust conservation action has never been greater.”