International Seal Day was founded in 1983 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The day aims to raise awareness of seal conservation around the world, advocate for the protection of seal populations and their ecosystems, and counter the dramatic decline in seal populations caused by commercial hunting, marine pollution and other human activities.
As marine mammals, seals play an important role in the ecosystem. They are an important link in the marine food chain and play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the ocean. However, indiscriminate hunting (especially commercial hunting of fur seals and other species), marine litter and pollution, and climate change have put many seal species in a difficult situation.
International Seal Day aims to raise public awareness of environmental protection through education, publicity and policy advocacy, and encourage the international community to take measures to safeguard the rights and interests of seals and other marine creatures and ensure the ecological balance of the ocean. On this day, a variety of themed events are held around the world to remind people to cherish marine resources, care for marine life, and work together to protect the shared blue planet.
Each of us has a responsibility in the face of an existential crisis for marine life such as seals. We should raise our awareness of environmental protection, actively participate in conservation actions, resist indiscriminate hunting, reduce marine pollution, and jointly protect our homeland. At the same time, we need to pay attention to the issue of climate change and take concrete actions to contribute to the mitigation of global warming.
Seal
Appearance: The body is streamlined, and the limbs have evolved into fins, which are suitable for swimming. There are no exposed ears, only ear holes.
Hind limbs: Seals do not have hind limbs that bend forward under their bodies, so they often move forward with a periphery on land, making them less flexible.
Teeth: Teeth that do not protrude significantly.
It is widely distributed in the cold and temperate seas of the world, including the Antarctic and the Arctic, as well as some freshwater lakes.
Most of the time is spent in the water, and the disembarkation is mainly for breeding, moulting, and resting.
Sea Lion
Appearance: Sea lions have distinct outer earshells, similar to dogs or cats, and have more vigorous fur than seals.
Hind limbs: Sea lions' hind limbs can move forward and support their bodies to walk upright, making them more agile and able to run quickly on land.
Teeth: No teeth, but the tooth structure is suitable for preying on fish and other marine life.
It is mainly distributed in the North Pacific Ocean, the northwest coast of the United States, the coast of South America and the southwest coast of Australia.
They are more adapted to life on land than seals, sometimes forming large colonies on land, and are able to swim and dive quickly.
Walrus
Appearance: Walrus is large in size, and its most distinctive feature is that it has a pair of long tusks for both sexes and males, which is an important sign to distinguish it from other pinnipeds.
Ears: Like seals, walruses also do not have exposed ears, only ear holes.
Hind limbs: The walruse's hind limbs, although also adapted to swimming in water, are not as mobile as sea lions on land, but are able to move with forelimbs and tail support.
It lives mainly in the seas of the Arctic region, especially in areas of ice floes, and relies on the ice surface for breeding and resting.
A social animal that dives in icy Arctic waters to feed on shellfish and fish, often using ivory to dig for food and break the ice. Socialize and rest on land or on ice floes, forming large clusters.
Life on Earth is rich and colorful, and every species is an integral part of the ecosystem. Among the many creatures, the marine mammal seal deserves our special attention. International Seal Day is celebrated on March 1 every year, an important day to raise awareness of seal conservation. Let's learn about the living status of seals, care for these lovely sea spirits, and contribute to the protection of the earth's marine ecological balance.