Endangered Marine Animals
It's also about sharing the stories of those who can't speak nor fight for themselves
One of our many aims as part of the development of the boardgame was to not only celebrate the biodiversity within our oceans, but to also raise awareness about the very real threat of extinction to certain marine wildlife. We created character cards to spotlgiht some of these species, and to give you the opportunity to learn more about them through the ability to play as these marine animals which each contribute to one of the 4 pawns on the game.
Read on to find out more about these endangered species, and why it's so important for us to protect them!
Balearic Shearwater
Puffinus mauretanicus
The Balearic shearwater, a striking seabird of the Mediterranean, is a symbol of resilience in the face of overwhelming threats. With a population dwindling at an alarming rate of -14% per year, this critically endangered species struggles to navigate a world increasingly dominated by human influence. Once found across the Mediterranean, their numbers are now threatened primarily by fisheries bycatch, as these graceful birds become unintended victims of fishing operations. As if this weren’t enough, the rise of offshore windfarm development presents new challenges, from habitat loss to the tragic risk of collisions, further diminishing their already
fragile chances of survival.
In our board game, the Balearic shearwater is a beacon of perseverance. Drawing the shearwater card offers players the chance to protect this bird from the growing threats of bycatch and habitat destruction, all while experiencing the urgency of conservation efforts needed to secure its future. With its migration patterns extending into Britain and Ireland, this
bird’s struggles are a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the global fight for biodiversity. By including the Balearic shearwater, we hope to inspire awareness of the impact of human activities on marine life and the importance of protecting our seabirds before they are gone.
The Vaquita
Phocoena sinus
The vaquita, the world's rarest marine mammal, teeters on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 10 individuals remaining. This small porpoise, discovered only in 1958, serves as a stark example of the broader challenges faced by cetaceans—whales, dolphins, and porpoises. While similar to dolphins in their intelligence and echolocation abilities, vaquitas are smaller and more elusive, with unique physical features that set them apart. Found exclusively in Mexico's Gulf of California, vaquitas are frequently caught and drowned in gillnets used for illegal fishing, even within marine protected areas. Their population has plummeted in recent years due to this persistent threat.
​
Vaquitas are distinctive in appearance, with a dark ring encircling their eyes, dark patches on their lips, and a thin line running from their mouth to their pectoral fins. Their dorsal surface is dark gray, their sides pale gray, and their underside white with light gray markings. Newborns have a darker coloration and a gray fringe that extends from their head to their flukes. Typically found in shallow waters near the shore, vaquitas are elusive and quickly swim away when boats approach, making conservation efforts even more challenging. Without immediate action, this unique species may vanish forever, underscoring the urgent need to address illegal fishing and protect their fragile habitat
​
Among the efforts to protect the vaquita adopted by the Government of Mexico are the designation of a Biosphere Reserve (The Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site) in 1993 and, in 2005, the establishment of a Vaquita Refuge, where all commercial fishing (including gillnets) is banned in core vaquita habitat. In 2008, the Government introduced the Species Conservation Action Plan for Vaquita (PACE Vaquita), a comprehensive protection and recovery effort which includes a program to encourage fishermen to switch to fishing gear that does not threaten vaquitas. These actions may have slowed, but did not stop, the decline of the species
Eretmochelys imbricata
The Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill turtle is more than just a stunning sea creature - it’s a keystone species that plays a critical role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems. Known for its sharp, beak-like mouth, the hawksbill feeds on sponges that would otherwise overgrow and suffocate reefs, ensuring biodiversity thrives. Its vibrant, intricately patterned shell is breathtaking to behold, but tragically, this beauty has made it a target of poaching, pushing the species to the brink of extinction.
In our board game, the hawksbill turtle isn’t just a character, it’s a symbol of ecological balance, adaptability, and the delicate relationships within ocean ecosystems. Players who draw the hawksbill card unlock unique abilities tied to its real-world role to maintain the health of coral reef zones, much like it does in nature. This gameplay mechanic mirrors the hawksbill’s impact in the wild, giving players a tangible connection to its importance.
We chose the hawksbill for its striking design and compelling story of survival amidst human threats. By including this endangered species, we hope to spark awareness and appreciation for its role in the ocean’s delicate harmony, making it not just a beautiful card to play but also a meaningful one.
Bluefin Tuna
Thunnus thynnus
The bluefin tuna, a magnificent predator of the deep, is one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures. With its streamlined body, retractable fins, and razor-sharp vision, the bluefin is built for speed—capable of reaching depths of 3,000 feet and speeds that rival the fastest marine animals. Known for its role at the top of the food chain, the bluefin hunts schools of fish with precision, embodying the fierce power of the ocean.
Yet, despite its strength, this giant is critically endangered. The Atlantic bluefin, the largest and most threatened of its kind, faces immense pressure from overfishing, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, where it has been a key target for commercial fishing.
In our board game, the bluefin tuna is more than just a formidable force—it's a reminder of the delicate balance between the ocean’s predators and prey. Players who draw the bluefin tuna card gain access to special abilities that reflect its hunting prowess and speed. However, these
abilities come with a cost, as players must also confront the threats that bluefin tuna face from illegal fishing and environmental changes. By incorporating the bluefin tuna into the game, we aim to highlight the impact of overfishing on these ocean giants, reminding players of the urgent need to protect such an iconic species before it's too late.
Why it's important
Why is it important to use platforms like these to showcase and spread awareness about the declining wildlife and marine life around us? Because this is a world that relies on the delicate harmony between man and nature, man and animal, man and natural resources. As of the last few decades, this relationship has been exploitative rather than symbiotic, and the results are shown in the declining populations of marine species such as these.
Why we decided to use our boardgame to share the beautiful facts and rich attributes of these marine species in particular, is because we wanted to target species many people have not heard of. This helps not only us, but people like you who wish to join us in this fight, to become more knowledgeable around the real breadth of climate issues and loss of biodiversity that currently holds our world.
​
And it is through this, that we can start making real impact, such as using this website to find out more about what charities globally and natoinally, and instagram accounts are doing to also rally for animals such as these, that are facing the threat of extinction.