OTTERS
This human-caused, ocean surface problem could decimate otters if it happened near their habitat
Oil spill
High levels of this toxic chemical are found in orca blubber due to their position at the top of the food chain
PCBs/Mercury
This is a nutrient-driven process that increases harmful algal blooms in dolphin habitats
Eutrification
Narwhals rely on this to locate prey in dark, Arctic waters
Echolocation
This object entangles blue whales, causing starvation and drowning in their communities.
Fishing nets
This water-related problem, attributed to climate change, has caused otter habitats (kelp forests) to shrink or disappear
Oceanic Warming
Process where toxins increase at each trophic level, severely affecting apex predators like orcas
Biomagnification
This is a common human pollutant that dolphins ingest when mistaken for prey
Plastics
This type of pollution from shipping traffic interferes with narwhal echolocation.
Noise pollution (ship traffic)
This is the long-term blubber buildup of PCBs, mercury, and methyl-mercury
bioaccumulation
This is the accidental killing of otters through a common maritime activity
Bycatching
The decline of this specific fish has critically impacted Southern Resident orcas
Chinook/Salmon
This Hormone is often elevated in dolphins due to chronic human disturbance and stress
Cortisol
Loss of sea ice increases narwhal vulnerability to which predator?
Killer Whales
This is the most direct way humans have killed whales for centuries
Commercial Whaling/Whale hunting
This condition spreads to Otters from flushing cat litter down toilets, leading to deadly brain infections
Parasite infestation, toxoplasmosis
Vessel-related disturbance that reduces orca hunting success by hiding echolocation clicks
Masking
Toxin from algal blooms linked to dolphin strandings and seizures
Domoic Acid
Climate change causes narwhals to rely on these lower-energy or less optimal prey species instead of the deep-water fish. What is this phenomenon called?
Prey shift or diet shift
Rising water, oceanic temperature changes, and acidity can all cause this
Changing ocean currents
This agricultural-linked problem causes the buildup of toxins in mollusks that can ultimately kill Otters
Algal blooms/Eutrification
Virus responsible for several marine mammal die-offs, including orcas
Morbillivirus
Skin condition dolphins develop in polluted coastal waters
Dermatitis
Unlike polar bears, narwhals cannot rid themselves of mercury through shedding. Instead, mercury builds up in this part of the animal's body.
The tusk
This is the effect climate change has on krill density and quality.
Changes in prey availability