ANIMAL INJUSTICE AND ENDANGERMENT: PRESERVE LIFE IN WATER TO PROTECT LIFE ON LAND

Animal Science

This paper delves into the critical issue of marine life degradation, exploring the adverse impacts of marine debris, captivity in aquariums, and the brutal practice of shark finning. The author presents a personal awakening to environmental concerns, spurred by witnessing the distressing sight of a plastic straw extracted from a sea turtle's nostril. With a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, the author emphasizes the vital role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth, stressing that no species, including humans, should be considered more important than another. Marine debris emerges as a significant global pollution problem, arising from human behaviour and carelessness. Plastic, in particular, poses a grave threat to marine creatures, causing ingestion, entrapment, and often leading to death. The author underscores the need for responsible waste disposal to prevent further accumulation in water bodies, which could soon surpass the weight of all marine life combined. The paper also examines the detrimental effects of keeping marine animals in captivity, highlighting the cruel conditions and psychological toll it inflicts on voiceless creatures like dolphins and stingrays. Aquariums, intended for education and conservation, perpetuate the notion that it is acceptable to confine animals far from their natural habitats for human entertainment. Moreover, the author explores the devastating practice of shark finning driven by international trade, causing significant decline in shark populations. The horrific process of cutting off live sharks' fins for delicacies, such as shark fin soup, raises ethical concerns and threatens the balance of ocean ecosystems. To combat these pressing challenges, the paper stresses the importance of education and awareness. The author believes that only by fostering understanding and exposure to environmental issues can individuals become catalysts for change. Small steps, collective efforts, and responsible actions are identified as key solutions to preserving marine life and the health of our oceans. Ultimately, this paper serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's responsibility to protect and conserve marine life. By addressing these issues and fostering sustainable practices, it offers hope for a brighter, more harmonious future for both humans and the creatures that inhabit our precious oceans. Keywords: Climate change, Environmental sustainability, Marine life, Plastic pollution, Sea turtle, Marine debris, Ocean pollution, Plastic straws, Plastic ingestion, Overfishing

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.