Like this picture?  It might not be here for long.

How many of you have heard of the “Red List?”  I recently became aware of The World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species.  Why should we as divers, snorkelers, swimmers or water enthusiast be aware?  Here is the reason:

First appearance of corals on the IUCN Red List

Corals have been assessed and added to the IUCN Red List for the very first time. Ten Galápagos species have entered the list, with two in the Critically Endangered category and one in the Vulnerable category. Wellington’s Solitary Coral (Rhizopsammia wellingtoni) has been listed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct). The main threats to these species are the effects of El Niño and climate change.

In addition, 74 seaweeds have been added to the IUCN Red List from the Galápagos Islands. Ten species are listed as Critically Endangered, with six of those highlighted as Possibly Extinct. The cold water species are threatened by climate change and the rise in sea temperature that characterizes El Niño. The seaweeds are also indirectly affected by overfishing, which removes predators from the food chain, resulting in an increase of sea urchins and other herbivores that overgraze these algae.

And if this is not bad enough here is the link to shark pages on The Red List.  Notice the last column TREND to see what is happening with that particular species.

So what can we do?  The biggest thing is getting involved.