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Save the Endangered Western Atlantic Blue Marlin

7,348 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal

24.49% Complete

Sponsor: The Rainforest Site

From reducing our carbon footprint to supporting sustainable fishing practices, every little bit helps. Take the pledge to save the Western Atlantic blue marlin from extinction!

From reducing our carbon footprint to supporting sustainable fishing practices, every little bit helps. Take the pledge to save the Western Atlantic blue marlin from extinction!

The Western Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a majestic and powerful fish that inhabits the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But despite its impressive size and strength, this species is facing a number of threats that are putting its survival at risk1.

One of the main threats to the Western Atlantic blue marlin is overfishing. This species is highly valued for its meat and is often targeted by commercial and recreational fishers. As a result, populations of this fish have been greatly depleted in recent years2. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Western Atlantic blue marlin is now considered to be a "vulnerable" species, which means that it is at a high risk of extinction in the wild3.

Another threat to the Western Atlantic blue marlin is habitat loss and degradation. This species depends on healthy coral reefs and seagrass beds for feeding and breeding. However, these habitats are under threat from pollution, coastal development, and climate change.

As a result, the Western Atlantic blue marlin is losing the vital habitats it needs to survive4.

Climate change also poses a significant threat to the Western Atlantic blue marlin. As ocean temperatures rise, the fish are forced to migrate to cooler waters, which can make it harder for them to find food and reproduce5. Additionally, changes in ocean chemistry are causing coral reefs to bleach and die, further reducing the habitats that this species relies on6.

To protect the Western Atlantic blue marlin, it is important that we take action to reduce overfishing and protect their habitats. This can be achieved by implementing sustainable fishing practices, enforcing stricter regulations on commercial and recreational fishing, and protecting coral reefs and seagrass beds from pollution and coastal development. Additionally, it is crucial that we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down the pace of climate change.

Help us take action. Take the pledge to save the Western Atlantic blue marlin from extinction!

More on this issue:

  1. American Oceans, "Atlantic Blue Marlin."
  2. Jason Schratwieser, Marlin (26 July 2018), "Managing Blue Marlin Stocks."
  3. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2023), "Blue Marlin."
  4. National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department Of Commerce, "Threats to Habitat."
  5. Craig Welch, National Geographic (4 January 2018), "Climate Change Is Suffocating Large Parts of the Ocean."
  6. World Wildlife Fund (2023), "Everything You Need to Know about Coral Bleaching—And How We Can Stop It."
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The Pledge:

I understand that the Western Atlantic blue marlin is facing a number of threats that are putting its survival at risk.

As such, I pledge to:

  1. Support sustainable fishing practices

When purchasing fish, I pledge to look for products that are certified as sustainable by organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). I will also avoid purchasing blue marlin or any other species that are listed as vulnerable or endangered.

  1. Be a responsible angler

I pledge to learn and be aware of all relevant fishing regulations and only target species that are abundant and not overfished. I also pledge to release any blue marlin or other large predatory fish that you catch, as they are important for the ecosystem balance.

  1. Reduce your carbon footprint

Climate change is one of the main threats to the Western Atlantic blue marlin and its habitat. I pledge to reduce my carbon footprint to help to slow down the pace of climate change and protect this species' habitat.

  1. Spread awareness

I pledge to share information about the plight of the Western Atlantic blue marlin with my friends and family. The more people who know about this issue, the more likely it is that conservation efforts will be successful.

  1. Support conservation efforts

I pledge to make donations to organizations that are working to protect the Western Atlantic blue marlin and its habitat, like Greater Good Charities and Project Peril, who partner with the best non-profits devoted to combating habitat loss, stopping the illegal wildlife trade, and preventing human-animal conflict. Project Peril further identifies key species on the brink of extinction and helps fund groups doing the best work to save these species around the world.

By taking these actions, I pledge to help to ensure that the Western Atlantic blue marlin continues to thrive in the wild for generations to come.

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