Once nearly hunted to extinction, humpback whales began their recovery thanks to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While many populations have rebounded, some still require protection. The ESA has been vital for numerous marine animals.

We're highlighting five marine species safeguarded by this landmark U.S. law. Join us in defending the ESA and these vital species. Support this crucial legislation and learn more at oceana.ly/ESA.

Happy International Day of Biological Diversity!   Our oceans are home to an estimated 2.2 million species, encompassing everything from iconic marine animals to those yet undiscovered.

Every species is vital for maintaining healthy, balanced, and vibrant ocean ecosystems. Protecting this rich biodiversity is essential for safeguarding the future of our blue planet.

Eleven years ago, over 120,000 gallons of oil spilled onto California’s Refugio Beach, devastating wildlife and coastal communities.

This disaster, like other major U.S. oil spills, proves that drilling inevitably leads to spills, harming our oceans, marine life, and coastal communities.

Oppose the U.S. government’s proposed expansion of offshore drilling. Protect our coasts: https://oceana.ly/ProtectOurCoasts

Orcas are cunning predators, known for their strategic, pack-like hunting formations.

Discover more about these fascinating marine mammals in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: https://oceana.ly/4dPU8W6

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 has protected countless species from extinction for half a century. This landmark law, crucial for safeguarding marine animals, now faces ongoing attacks. It's vital to understand its origins, impact, and how it helps save species like green sea turtles, sea otters, and humpback whales.

We must stand in its defense. Learn more about the ESA and its importance: [Defend the ESA](https://oceana.ly/42vOuSR). You can also get involved by subscribing to Oceana for updates or becoming a Wavemaker to support ocean conservation efforts: [Get Involved](https://oceana.ly/subscribe).

Microplastics are pervasive, infiltrating our environment, bodies, and food globally. Their widespread presence is no longer a secret, with public awareness growing almost as fast as the particles themselves.

Given this established ubiquity, it's time for action. Learn more about microplastics and what Oceana is doing to address the plastic crisis: oceana.ly/4eCNZgZ

The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill devastated California's coast, catalyzing the environmental movement. We highlight five of the worst U.S. oil spills, demonstrating that where drilling occurs, spills follow, harming our oceans, marine life, and coastal communities.

Oppose the U.S. government’s proposed expansion of offshore drilling: https://oceana.ly/ProtectOurCoasts

Brown pelicans, once decimated by the feather trade and toxic pesticides, made a remarkable recovery. Following the U.S. ban of DDT and habitat protections under the ESA, their populations rebounded, leading to their full removal from the endangered species list by 2009.

Leading up to Endangered Species Day on May 15, we're highlighting marine animals protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Join us in defending this landmark law and species like these: https://oceana.ly/ESA

The marine iguana is the world's only lizard that forages in the ocean, a remarkable adaptation making it a truly unique reptile.

Explore more about marine iguanas in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

On Daram Island, Philippines, illegal fishing has severely depleted local fisheries, causing malnutrition. A group of women are now bravely confronting these practices at sea to protect their community and livelihoods. This is their inspiring story.

Learn more about Oceana's vital work in the Philippines: https://ph.oceana.org/. Get involved by subscribing for updates: https://oceana.ly/subscribe, or become a Wavemaker to support ocean conservation: https://oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z.

Sea otters are remarkable for their use of rocks as tools to crack open shells.

Explore more about these fascinating marine mammals in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: oceana.ly/seaotter

Our blue planet's oceans cover over two-thirds of its surface, connecting us all. Yet, these vital waters are increasingly under threat.

Oceana works to protect marine life, coastal communities, and our climate. This critical mission requires collective effort, as we cannot succeed alone.

Today marks 16 years since the Deepwater Horizon blowout, the worst oil spill in U.S. history. This disaster, like others, underscores a critical truth: where there's drilling, there's spilling.

Such incidents devastate our oceans, marine life, and coastal communities. We are highlighting five of the worst U.S. oil spills to emphasize this risk. Join us in opposing the U.S. government’s proposed expansion of offshore drilling: Protect Our Coasts.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching lengths of nearly 65 feet.

Explore more about these impressive creatures in our Marine Life Encyclopedia.

Green turtles faced extinction due to heavy hunting until the Endangered Species Act (ESA) provided a lifeline in the 1970s.

Leading up to Endangered Species Day on May 15, we will highlight five marine animals protected by the U.S. ESA. Join us in defending this landmark law and these species.

Learn more and take action here: https://oceana.ly/ESA

Scientists recently captured rare underwater footage of a Greenland shark in Arctic Canadian waters, offering a unique glimpse into the world of this elusive species.

Belonging to the "sleeper shark" family due to their slow growth and low activity, Greenland sharks are remarkable for their extreme longevity. With some individuals estimated to live nearly 400 years, they are recognized as the longest-lived vertebrates on Earth.

Learn more: https://oceana.ly/3PVSOaT

Narwhals, often called "unicorns of the sea," are known for their distinctive "horn," which is actually an elongated tooth. Learn more about these fascinating marine mammals in our Marine Life Encyclopedia: oceana.ly/narwhal

Footage is courtesy of O’Corry-Crowe G et al. (2025) Use of tusks by narwhals, Monodon monoceros, in foraging, exploratory, and play behavior. Front. Mar. Sci. 12:1518605. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1518605

Sonia Kwami, Oceana's new leader in Ghana, is committed to protecting Ghana's fisheries. Raised in an ocean-dependent community, she understands how healthy waters sustain livelihoods and the impact of depletion.

At a crucial time for Ghana's coastal communities, Sonia spearheads Oceana's on-the-ground efforts, viewing her leadership as a continuation of a lifelong dedication to environmental justice.

Learn more about Oceana’s work in Ghana: ghana.oceana.org. Subscribe: oceana.ly/subscribe. Become a Wavemaker: oceana.ly/4rGhn8Z. Connect on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Kelp forests are towering underwater ecosystems, reaching heights of 175 feet. These vital environments provide food and shelter for thousands of marine species.

Beyond supporting diverse marine life, kelp and other marine algae actively capture and store carbon dioxide. This makes these ecosystems crucial in the fight against climate change.

The Arctic tern holds the record for the longest migration of any animal on Earth.

To learn more about these incredible birds, explore our Marine Life Encyclopedia: oceana.ly/arctictern