Some of
the world's most impressive, biodiverse areas are
famous, like the Galápagos Islands. Others, like the
Sargasso Sea, go less remarked upon. But these
precious and unique ecosystems all deserve to be better
protected, otherwise it
leaves the animals who feast, breed, and thrive there in
grave danger.
The Sargasso Sea
is in the Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting a space that's off
the coast of the eastern U.S. and north of Bermuda. Its
floating sargassum seaweed provides an abundant feeding
ground and habitat for many endangered species —
including many species of turtles, fish, and even
humpback whales. As Dr. Sylvia Earle, former chief
scientist at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, has said, the Sargasso Sea is
"the golden rainforest of the ocean."
But because the Sargasso
Sea largely lies outside of any one country's
jurisdiction, countries have been slow to protect the
marine life there.
Overfishing,
pollution, and climate change are combining to severely
threaten species that migrate through this sea. The
government of Bermuda is aware of this and has been
trying to drum up support for international action.
If countries don't cooperate to take action
fast, this precious and unusual haven for biodiversity
could disappear. Luckily, we can learn from the
exciting and bold example set by the Ecuadorian
government, which just announced new safeguards for
sharks, turtles, and other marine animals near the
Galápagos Islands. One of its main plans is to crack
down on overfishing and create a protected underwater
"highway" for animals to safely swim in. The
animals living in and passing through the Sargasso Sea
need a similar solution. Sign the
petition to demand that the U.S. government cooperate
with surrounding countries, including Bermuda, to limit
fishing in the Sargasso Sea! We must protect the animals
now!
