Follow
Scientists are fighting to protect Arctic seals from becoming extinct.
STATES CHRONICLE – The Arctic seals are living hard times because of global warming. To survive, this species needs to be protected. Despite this fact, specialists from the International Union for Conservation of Nature argued that for now, the number of arctic seals remains vigorous. There were not yet registered any alarming signals of decline. Unfortunately, climate prognosis does not let us nurture hope.
Shortly, this species will go extinct is authorities won’t protect it. The arctic seals’ chances for survival will drop by at least 40%. On October 24th, the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has handed a breakthrough decision which listed this species as endangered. This decision will affect the conservation cases in the country because arctic seals are not yet extinct.
The Center for Biological Diversity has congratulated the decision of the court of the life of these animals. Eight years ago, this center was the first one who petitioned for this species to appear on the list of endangered species. The Center for Biological Diversity has also requested for the protection of the bearded Arctic seals.
Kristen Monsell, who is an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, has claimed that the court’s decision will bring benefits for bearded seals, helping them avoid a decrease in number. Their protection is one of the most important priorities.
These animals will finally have a chance to fight for the survival of the species. In the meantime, authorizes will continue to work on a solution to eradicate greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is dramatically changing the life of animals living in the Arctic. Back in 2008, when the Center for Biological Diversity had found out that the habitat of Arctic seals is at risk because of global warming, the association required for the help of the National Marine Fisheries Service.
They were asked to enlist the species as being threatened, but not yet endangered. The ice which is continuously receding will soon determine seals to grow their pups closer to the shore. There, predators are excitingly waiting for them.
Four years ago, NMFS accomplished the request of the petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity. In 2014, the Alaska Oil and Gas Association together with other corporations wanted to fulfill their fossil fuel purposes and disputed the listing. Against all the odds, NMFS won the argument and fights for the protection of these animals.
Image courtesy of: flickr
