Crossing Guards for Endangered Species

According to PlanetSave.org, at least four Northern Atlantic right whales die of shipping accidents every year. At first, that number may seem small compared to the death toll of any other animal but considering that the total population of whales is around three hundred and fifty, four whales a year can be drastic. The top cause of death for whales is collision with vessels. Many animal rights and environmental groups are outraged at the utter disregard from many shipping companies. A lawsuit was settled today in federal courts “… with the US Coast Guard, which agreed to abide by the Endangered Species Act which requires that shipping lanes do not put critically endangered Northern Atlantic right whales in harm’s way” (PlanetSave.org). The Coast Guard is now responsible for monitoring three major shipping lanes in Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay and Cape Fear. The environmental groups hope that the monitoring will lower the likelihood of collisions with the endangered whales and lead to further increases in their population.

Unfortunately, there are countless species that are endangered. While environmental groups try their best to protect these animals, their habitats are being destroyed due to both natural and human causes. I see this as a tragedy for animals as well as humans. Species are becoming endangered and humans continue to destroy our planet. People are well aware of global warming and excessive petroleum usage but what about the beings that don’t have a voice? Habitats are destroyed so that we can build malls and apartment buildings. The animals that live there don’t have any sort of power to protect their habitats so they just get forced out. Many are killed by machines that we use during construction. People need to be more aware of their actions and how they affect not only humans but our fellow animals as well. Many organizations exist to raise awareness and help support extinct species. Numerous celebrities endorse these organizations and help prevent the destruction of habitats. I believe that these animals deserve the safety of their ecosystems and it is wrong for us to take it away. To learn more about protecting wildlife, visit Defenders.org.