Mammals

Herbivores such as manatees regulate seagrass growth, while baleen whales control populations of krill and plankton. Top predators such as killer whales manage prey populations, preventing overpopulation. Together, these species help sustain the balance, resilience, and productivity of marine ecosystems, making them crucial to ocean biodiversity.

Common Types of Marine Mammals

Marine mammals inhabit oceans worldwide, from tropical waters to the Arctic and Antarctic. These species exhibit diverse behaviors and adaptations, including skilled swimming, deep diving, and grazing. Each group plays a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystem health and balance.

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Baleen Whales

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Toothed Whales

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Sea Cows

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Pinnipeds

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Marine Fissipeds

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Key Benefits of Marine Mammals

Nutrient Cycling

Large marine mammals, especially whales, play a vital role in nutrient cycling by transporting nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface through their vertical movements and feeding patterns. When whales feed at depth and defecate near the surface, they release essential nutrients such as iron and nitrogen, which stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, a key foundation of the marine food web.
Habitat Maintenance and Biodiversity Support

Marine herbivores, such as manatees and dugongs, maintain seagrass health by grazing, preventing overgrowth and promoting biodiversity. Similarly, sea otters control sea urchin populations, protecting kelp forests from overgrazing. Migratory species like whales and dolphins also transport nutrients across ecosystems, supporting marine habitats along their routes. Together, these species contribute to the health and stability of marine environments.
Predator-Prey Dynamics

As both predators and prey, marine mammals play a crucial role in regulating species populations within marine ecosystems, contributing to the overall energy flow. By maintaining a balanced food web, they help prevent the overgrowth of certain species, ensuring ecosystem stability. For example, the presence of top predators like orcas, dolphins, and seals helps control prey populations and influences the distribution of other marine species.
Economic and Social Value

Marine mammals provide vital ecosystem services by supporting industries such as fishing, tourism, and coastal livelihoods through their role in maintaining the balance and productivity of marine ecosystems. In particular, whales, dolphins, and seals are central to ecotourism in many coastal regions. Healthy populations of marine mammals attract tourists, thus providing economic benefits to local communities.
Ocean Health Indicator

Marine mammals have the capacity to integrate and reflect complex ecosystem changes through their ecological and physiological responses, making good indicators of changing ocean conditions and overall ocean health. Changes in their populations or behaviors can signal broader issues such as pollution, overfishing, or habitat degradation.

Threats to Marine Mammals

Habitat Destruction and Natural System Modification
Pollution
Bycatch and Overfishing

Climate Change
Entanglement
Commercial Hunting

Taking Action to Protect and Restore Marine Mammals

Marine Protection 01
Establishing and enforcing additional marine protected areas safeguards critical habitats, including feeding and breeding grounds, from harmful activities such as fishing, tourism, and industrial development.
Enforcement of Global Bans 02
The global community must work together to ensure the effective enforcement of bans on commercial whaling and illegal hunting of marine mammals. It is essential to strengthen penalties for non-compliance and provide robust support for international agreements, such as the International Whaling Commission, to protect these vulnerable species and preserve the health of our oceans for future generations.
Fishing-Related Threats 03
The adoption of whale- and dolphin-safe fishing gear is essential to reducing the risk of entanglement in nets and ropes. Supporting innovations like bycatch reduction devices, such as acoustic deterrents and escape panels, can minimize the accidental capture of non-target species. These measures help protect marine life and promote more sustainable fishing practices.
Noise Pollution Reduction 04
To mitigate the effects of underwater noise on marine mammals, strict regulations should be enforced to limit noise from ships, offshore drilling, and other industrial activities. Encouraging the use of quieter engines and advanced noise-reducing technologies can further minimize the disruption to marine mammal communication and navigation, safeguarding their health and well-being.
Raising Public Awareness and Involving Communities 05
Raising awareness about the threats faced by marine mammals and the importance of their conservation is crucial. This can be achieved through public education campaigns and promoting ecotourism initiatives. Engaging local communities and Indigenous groups in conservation efforts and offering alternative livelihoods to hunting or fishing practices that pose risks to marine mammals fosters a deeper understanding of conservation and provides sustainable solutions for local populations.

Credits

Carlos Duarte
Vanesa Chalastani
Letizia Valluzzi

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