The world's oceans are rich with incredible life teeming just below the surface: coral reefs, sharks, turtles, whales, manta rays, and all manner of other creatures. We know of some of these locations, like the Galápagos Islands, while others like the Sargasso Sea are less talked about. Yet many of the most precious and unique areas are not sufficiently protected - leaving the fish and other animals there in grave danger.
Sign the petition to demand world governments work together to protect vital marine areas, including the Sargasso Sea!The Sargasso Sea exists in the Atlantic Ocean, in a large circular area just off the coast of the United States and the Bermuda Islands. Its floating sargassum seaweed provides an abundant feeding ground and habitat for many endangered species -- including many species of turtles, fish, and even humpback whales. As Dr. Sylvia Earle, former chief scientist at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
has said,
the Sargasso Sea is "the golden rainforest of the ocean."But because the Sargasso Sea largely lies outside of any one country's jurisdiction, countries have been slow to protect the marine life there. In fact,
overfishing, pollution, and climate change are combining to severely threaten species that migrate through this sea.
If countries don't cooperate to take action fast, this precious and unusual haven for biodiversity could disappear.Luckily, we can learn from the exciting and bold example set by
Ecuador's government, which just announced fantastic new measures to protect biodiversity in the famous Galápagos Islands! It is working with the governments of Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama to crack down on overfishing that is decimating shark, turtle, fish, and bird populations. One way Ecuador plans to do this is by
creating a safe underwater "highway" for these animals to swim in between the Cocos Islands of Costa Rica and the Galápagos Islands.
The animals living in and passing through the Sargasso Sea need a similar solution. In fact, the Bermuda government has been trying to create an international alliance to help the struggling sea. But so far, industrialized nations have not given sufficient attention to these efforts.
Sign the petition to demand that the U.S. government cooperate with surrounding countries, including Bermuda, to limit fishing in the Sargasso Sea! We must protect the animals now!