<p>A California sea lion hunts for fish on a kelp paddy at Cortes Bank, a seamount off the coast of San Diego. It's a trove of marine life that deserves protection, conservationists say. (<i><a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/50-beautiful-photos-of-earth">See 50 dramatic photos from Earth</a>)</i></p>
A California sea lion hunts for fish on a kelp paddy at Cortes Bank, a seamount off the coast of San Diego. It's a trove of marine life that deserves protection, conservationists say. (See 50 dramatic photos from Earth)
Photograph by Brian Skerry, Nat Geo Image Collection
Scenes from around the world show life both beautiful and vulnerable to human influence.
BySarah Gibbens
Published April 22, 2019
Coral reefs, sprawling forests, and abundant wildlife enrich our Earth, but the number of species that inhabit this planet is declining. Climate change is making it too hot for many reefs to survive, once lush regions are being deforested, and wildlife is finding it increasingly difficult to coexist with people. To highlight these issues, the theme of 2019's Earth Day is “Protect Our Species.”
Earth Day's organizers aim to highlight how many species are facing extinction and what can be done to save them. By creating nature sanctuaries, both on land and below the sea, environmental activists are trying to create safe spaces in which wildlife can thrive.
The National Geographic Society, joining with other large conservation organizations,
DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.
Sign Upfor your free account. Or get a Premium Subscription, just $19.SUBSCRIBE
Create your free account to continue reading
No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
80 years ago, young men of color were attacked for their “unpatriotic” fashion choices, leading to the Zoot Suit Riots. The repercussions can still be felt today.
Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
Ocean life is flourishing inside Mexico’s Revillagigedo National Park, and the commercial fishing industry is flourishing outside of it, a new study shows. “We can have our fish and eat them too.”