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By: Sarah Sharkey
According to a recent study, marine mammals and sea turtles that have received protection from
the Endangered Species Act are recovering!
The study was conducted by scientists at the Center for Biological Diversity. The data showed that
78% of the 32 protected marine animals are recovering. Most of their progress can be attributed to
the protections offered by the Endangered Species Act.
The leader of the study, Dr. Abel Valdivia, said “The Endangered Species Act works. This is great
news at a time when our oceans face growing threats from climate change. It’s easy to get
discouraged as we watch human activities destroy marine ecosystems. But our study shows we can
still save whales and other endangered species if we just make the effort.”
Although many of the species still have a long way to go before they reach a completely recovered
status, their progress is exciting. When you think of all of the human interference that these animals
have to deal with it is amazing that they are doing so well.
When a species is listed, it usually indicates that the species is in dire straits. The work of dedicated
researchers, government agencies, citizen scientists and federal protections are pooled together to
help put these animals back on their feet. Hopefully more animals will have the chance to recover
under these protections in the future.
Read more from the source.