Eight Underwater Species That Are Fast Disappearing

By Afiur
March 20, 2026

Dugong

Often called the “sea cow,” dugongs are declining due to habitat destruction and coastal development.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Critically endangered due to illegal shell trade and coral reef loss, which destroys their main habitat.

Manta Ray

Targeted for their gill plates and affected by ocean pollution, manta rays are increasingly at risk.

Sawfish

Recognisable by their saw like snout, these creatures are disappearing due to habitat loss and fishing nets.

Staghorn Coral

Once abundant in Caribbean reefs, this coral is dying rapidly due to warming oceans and pollution.

Vaquita

The world’s rarest marine mammal, found in the Gulf of California. Fewer than 10 are believed to remain due to illegal fishing nets.

Bluefin Tuna

Highly prized for sushi, overfishing has drastically reduced their population across oceans.

Whale Shark

The largest fish in the ocean, threatened by ship strikes, plastic pollution, and illegal fishing.

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