LAGUNA MARINE WILDLIFE

 

Laguna Marine Wildlife 2023 project celebrates the dazzling and diverse wildlife inhabiting the Pacific Ocean around Laguna Beach, California. The project raises awareness of vulnerable marine species and funds for marine conservation organisations. The project also encourages participants and the wider global community to protect our oceans through taking simple positive actions like those listed in our How You Can Protect Marine Wildlife PDF. 

Led by artist and Founder of Drawing for the Planet (DftP), Jane Lee McCracken, Laguna Marine Wildlife project in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum (LAM) and the Coast Film & Music Festival (CFMF), invites local Californian schools and the community to attend Jane’s on site and virtual art and environmental education workshops to learn about and create ballpoint pen drawings of marine species.

UK and Hawaiian schools are also invited to participate to raise further awareness of marine wildlife. A selection of drawings by children and adults will feature in Jane's Laguna Marine Wildlife artwork to be created after the workshops are completed in September 2023.

California Sheephead drawing created by Dakota at CFMF workshop, 2022

DftP is actively seeking a public space in Laguna Beach to instal a permanent mural of Jane’s artwork. The mural will also be projected in LAM's the LAB and displayed as a large format print at CFMF during the city's Art & Nature Festival, November 2023. DftP is also working to partner with marine wildlife non-profits in the Laguna Beach locale to donate project funds for their vital work.

As well as the official project mural, Jane is also creating individual artworks for each school/community workshop with the aim of presenting prints of these artworks to participants to raise further awareness in their schools and communities by displaying the artworks.

Jane and the DftP Team, Kirsten Rogers and Kristin Hunziker at CFF (left); LAM and CFF workshop participants, 2022

Since the project began with workshops at LAM and CFMF during Art & Nature 2022, 360 children (age 4+) and adults from the USA and the UK have participated in 14 workshops, creating drawings of 173 marine species. Jane's workshops feature a presentation followed by a practical drawing session and include the following elements:

• About Laguna Marine Wildlife project
• About the artist including images of ballpoint pen drawings
• About marine wildlife and how to protect it
• How art can help wildlife
• Making emotional connections with species through drawing
• How to create a portrait
• Jane's drawing tips
• Instilling of her mantra "everyone can draw"
• Individual tutoring by Jane throughout
• End of workshop drawing exhibition

Study species are researched and carefully selected by Jane to include species of all conservation statuses through critically endangered - unclassified. All drawings are scanned and returned to schools/participants. Schools are encouraged to display drawings and also raise further awareness by telling others what they have learned about marine wildlife and the need to protect it.

LAM workshop participants, 2022

The project aims to include over 500 participants and raise awareness of around 150 marine species.

This online gallery is evolving as the project grows and exhibits school/workshops artworks created by Jane featuring participants drawings. Laguna Marine Wildlife artwork will be added upon completion. The gallery also includes species information (updated as species are studied) illustrated with a selection of participants drawings and our How You Can Help Protect Marine Wildlife PDF. View the artworks and explore the wildlife below:

THE ARTWORKS

The artworks below were created by Jane following each school/public workshop and feature drawings by participants. They are created in US and UK paper sizes. The aim of the artworks is to raise awareness of each species and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of both the wildlife and participants drawings: 

USA

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM, COAST FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL, AND LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT WORKSHOPS

Laguna Ocean 2023

62 Californian children and adults created drawings in LAM and CFMF workshops, and Laguna Beach Unified School District's Celebration of the Arts workshop. Species include flapjack octopus, Spanish shawl and bottlenose dolphin.  

UK

KEPIER ACADEMY

 

Kepier Ocean 2023

33 Year 10 children from Kepier Academy, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear created drawings of species including Opah, leopard shark and Garibaldi.

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL

KEVI Ocean 2023

Featuring drawings by 46 Year 9 children and 3 teachers from King Edward VI School, Morpeth, Northumberland of species including spotted rat fish, short-fin pilot whale, winged argonaut and scalloped hammerhead.

EAST BOLDON INFANT SCHOOL

East Boldon Ocean 2023

Featuring drawings by 52 Reception - Year 2 children from East Boldon Infant School, South Tyneside, of species including Giant Pacific Octopus, Guadalupe Fur Sea, and Red Rock Crab.

THE OCEAN

Critically endangered Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks: Dreamstime / ©️ Jonathan Green

The Pacific Ocean around California is teeming with wildlife. It is home to 42 species of marine mammals like endangered Sea Otters and Northern Pacific Right Whales and around 700 species of fish including California's state fish, the vivid orange Garibaldi. With a wide variety of habitats including kelp forests, California's ocean supports a myriad of ecosystems.

However, across the globe our oceans are in peril due to climate change, pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction. Over 100 million sharks are fished from our oceans annually. Sharks have existed for 450 million years since before the first trees, while modern humans only evolved around 200 thousand years ago. Sharks are vital to the well being of our oceans. Surely oceans without these beautiful and greatly misunderstood animals is an unthinkable prospect for us all?

Oceans provide us with 50 per cent of the oxygen we breathe. They also regulate our climate as well as provide us with food and employment. It is therefore in humanity's interest to maintain healthy oceans and protect marine biodiversity for future generations. 

"No water, no life. No blue, no green.” Dr Sylvia Earle, marine biologist and oceanographer

10 WAYS YOU CAN HELP PROTECT MARINE WILDLIFE

Would you like to help protect marine wildlife but are not sure what you can do? Drawing for the Planet has created a list of 10 simple actions you can take to protect our precious oceans. The more people who take positive action the greater the impact we can make. 

You can spread the word by downloading our HOW YOU CAN HELP PROTECT MARINE WILDLIFE PDF above and sharing it -  together we are stronger! 

THE WILDLIFE

Image: Dreamstime

Each of the following species drawn for the project plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Like humans, they live their lives according to their needs. Imagine what their eyes have seen or the epic life they experience in the ocean.

Many of these beautiful animals are threatened with extinction, some will have experienced stress and trauma at the hands of humankind. It is up to all of us to protect and cherish them. Learn more about the species studied below with information provided by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and excerpts other sources:

MARINE MAMMALS

BLUE WHALE

Balaenoptera musculus
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: 5000-15000 INCREASING
Drawing: Finley Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Blue Whale:

"The blue whale is one of nature's most magnificent and graceful beings. Louder, larger, longer and heavier than any other creature, this whale's a multi-record breaker and a totem of conservation for all whales and dolphins...Commanding awe, they grow to over 33 metres long - twice as long as a T-Rex dinosaur. Even their calves are a whopping 7 metres in length, weighing in the same as an adult African Elephant...A normal life span is up to 90 years, though one famous whale lived for 110 years...Whether they are traveling or not, blue whales like to communicate with each other. Sometimes, they talk to each other over hundreds of miles producing songs and sounds of up to 188 decibels. That's louder than a jet plane!" uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/blue-whale

NORTH PACIFIC RIGHT WHALE

Eubalaena japonica
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Amelie Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/North Pacific Right Whale:

Hunted to the brink of extinction, North Pacific right whales were so-named because hunters singled them out as lucrative game. Literally, they were considered the “right” whales to kill. Relentlessly persecuted in the early 1900s, North Pacific right whales were nearly wiped off the face of the earth. Targeted by whalers, they were easy to approach, easy to catch, floated when they were dead and had blubber cells rich in oil. Today they, along with the North Atlantic right whale, are the most endangered of the great whales. Carrying one third of their body weight, the North Pacific right whale has a huge, handsome head that is etched with a strongly arched mouthline. With a lumpy, bumpy appearance, their faces are peppered with horny growths called callosities. Time and time again we have seen how innocent beings like North Pacific right whales have suffered appallingly in the hands of humans. These days, sightings at sea are few and far between, but what we do know about these whales is that they are gentle, playful and inquisitive souls who are surprisingly acrobatic despite their size and speed. One of their most fascinating and endearing tricks, North Pacific right whales have been known to use their tales as sails, sticking their tail flukes out of the water to catch the breeze." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/north-pacific-right-whale

SPERM WHALE

Physeter macrocephalus
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Liam Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Sperm Whale:

"Sperm whales are totally unique. Colossal giants of the deep, their presence commands a reverent awe. They possess the largest brain in the animal kingdon and spend much of their lives in the light-starved depths of the oceans hunting prey. The might sperm whales look nothing like any other whale, For a start, they each have an enormous square-shaped head which accounts for around a third of their body length. They have stumpy dorsal fins and two relatively small pectoral fins on either side of their wrinkle-covered bodies. Perhaps their most recognizable trait though is their jaw, containing up to 52 cone-shaped teeth in the lower half, weighing a kilo each! Spending much of their lives hunting in the deep for their prey, sperm whales can dive to depths of up to 3km and hold their breath for an incredible 2 hours."uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/sperm-whale

HUMPBACK WHALE

Megaptera novaeangliae 
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: 84,000 INCREASING
Drawing: Natalie Hunziker Laguna Beach high school student (CFF workshop)

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Humpback Whale:

"Tuneful, graceful and simply, huge, the amazing humpback whales are the virtuosos of the deep. Singing some of the longest and most complex songs in the animal kingdom, humpback whales are masters of melody. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, they also undertake some of the longest migrations of any mammal in the world. Humpback whales are massive, growing to 17 metres in length. Their huge, dark bodies are flanked by enormous pectoral flippers growing up to around a third of their body length...Well-known for their underwater lullabies, male humpback whales are particularly vocal during the mating season. Covering such huge distances, humpback whales are constantly exposed to a number of threats and must navigate a myriad of life-threatening dangers. These include whalers, fishing nets and ships." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/humpback-whale/

COMMON MINKE WHALE

Physeter macrocephalus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)

Population: 200,000 population trend UNKNOWN
Drawing: London high school student, California (LAM workshop)

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Common Minke Whale:

"The gorgeous minke whale is one of the species most severely affected by the whaling industry...The common minke reaches around 8 to 9 metres long...Minke whales are content in their own company and tend to be quite solitary. Relatively fast swimmers, they are not ones for showmanship and keep their acrobatic skills largely to themselves, only occasionally breaching and spyhopping...Common minke whales enjoy a varied diet, happily eating krill, schooling fish and larger fish too. Unfortunately, in a bid to support culls, whalers have perpetuated myths that minkes are responsible for the decline in worldwide fish populations. Whilst in reality the impact minke whales have on fish populations pales into significance compared to the dramatic and devastating effects of industrial fishing practices. uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/common-minke-whale

SHORT-FINNED PILOT WHALE

Globicephala macrorhynchus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Alexandria Y9 King Edward School, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Short-finned Pilot Whale:

"Short-finned pilot whales have been nicknamed as the "cheetahs of the deep sea" for their deep, high-speed, sprint-dives to chase and capture large squid...Pilot whales are extraordinarily social; their strong bonds motivate them to stick together through thick and thin, even when that means putting themselves at risk...They are strongly bonded to each other and do everything together; resting, hunting, socialising, playing and travelling as a unified pod. The most important thing in their lives is each other, and they are incredibly loyal. Pod sizes vary between 10 and 50... The bond between a mother and her offspring are very strong and last until the mother dies. Pilot whales can dive to depths of up to 1000m for 10 to 16 minutes at a time. They mostly feed at night in deep water using echolocation to find prey."uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/short-finned-pilot-whale

LONG-FINNED PILOT WHALE

Globicephala melas 
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: James and Elijah W. Y2, Georgie and Lydia Y1, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Long-finned Pilot Whale:

"Long-finned pilot whales do indeed have very long flipper! However, the ‘pilot’ part of their name comes from and old theory that each pod is piloted by a single leader. We now know this is not the case, but the name has stuck. Pilot whales are actually large dolphins. Male pilot whales are larger than females, and they have a more bulbous forehead and chunkier dorsal fin. Pilot whales have a very sociable and inquisitive nature.  They are long-lived and live together in multi-generational, tight-knit, stable pods. Pilot whales are often active at the surface; they may spyhop (poke their heads out of the water), or lobtail (lift their flukes out of the water and splash them down). They are also regularly seen resting (logging) in unison, close to each other at the surface." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/long-finned-pilot-whale

BLAINVILLE'S BEAKED WHALE 

Mesoplodon densirostris
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Brogan Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Blainville's Beaked Whale:

"With its steeply arched jaw, Blainville's beaked whale is both striking and easily recognisable. Known for its unmistakable arch, Blainsville's beaked whale's lower jaw curves sharply upwards...Blainsville's beaked whales often live in and return to the same area. Forming distinct social circles, it's believed that male Blainville's beaked whales defend groups of females...As with other deep-diving beaked whales, squid forms a major part of their diet, with crustaceans and fish also on the menu." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/blainvilles-beaked-whale

COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

 

Tursiops truncates
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Alex Y10 Kepier Academy, UK;  Jennifer Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Kristin Hunziker DftP Advisor, California (CFF workshop)

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Common Bottlenose Dolphin:

"Along with great apes, elephants and humans, common bottlenose dolphins have one of the most sophisticated intellects on our planet. Because of films and TV shows like Flipper and decades of exploitation for human amusement, bottlenose dolphins are the most recognisable of all dolphin species…If you are a bottlenose dolphin, your family and friends are vital. You rely on them for companionship and fun, and they also help you to find and catch food. They babysit your kids when you need to scope out new hunting grounds, and they will rally round when you are sick. Although some individuals choose to live alone, by far the majority are highly social and will also associate with other species of dolphins, whales and even sharks and turtles. Some even cooperate with humans to catch fish." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/common-bottlenose-dolphin/

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN

Lagenorhynchus obliquidens
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Jess Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Pacific White-sided Dolphin:

"Energetic, acrobatic and extremely social, the beautiful Pacific white-sided dolphins are a sight to behold. These dolphins are impressively agile, expertly acrobatic and extremely social. True showmen and women, they love to bow and wake-ride, often approaching boats and wowing onlookers with their skills. Performing spectacular leaps, flips, spins, somersaults and 'porpoising' at high speeds, their innate talents would bedazzle even the greatest Olympian. Generally travelling in groups of tens or hundreds of individuals, Pacific white-sided dolphins can sometimes be seen in herd of 2,000 or more...They are also happy to hang out with other species, including northern right-whale dolphins, Risso's dolphins, sea lions and even seals."uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/pacific-white-sided-dolphin

RISSO'S DOLPHIN

Grampus griseus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Alexandra Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Risso's Dolphin:

"Risso’s dolphins have a distinctive grey body which over time becomes covered in scars. Risso’s dolphins are predominantly deep water lovers and are therefore relatively unstudied, however in several places around the world they can be found within only metres of the coast enabling researchers to learn so much more about them…Although they start out in life a grey/olive brown colour, as they get older they get whiter and whiter – a result of numerous scars and scratches from other Risso’s dolphins and their favourite food, squid! Busy and incredibly sociable, Risso’s normally like the company of several other pod mates, sometimes lots, and although they’re normally boat-shy, they can be seen leaping out the water, breaching, tail and head-slapping and generally having a very active time.” uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/rissos-dolphin

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPHIN 

Lissodelphis borealis
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Fynn Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Northern Right Whale Dolphin:

"Northern right whale dolphins are named after right whales for the simple reason that like their larger, whale namesakes, they also do not have a dorsal fin. Northern right whale dolphins are known for their distinctive black and white colour pattern and their dark, smooth and shiny backs. They have sleek, streamlined, slender bodies and look skinny...Northern right whale dolphins are extremely sociable and gregarious; they live in large groups of 100 to 200. Groups of up to 3000 individuals have been seen. They often mis with other dolphin species such as Pacific white-sided dolphins, short-finned pilot whales and Risso's dolphins...They are highly acrobatic swimmers and perform long, low leaps at high speed; they can leap more than 6m over the surface." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/northern-right-whale-dolphin

 

PANTROPICAL SPOTTED DOLPHIN

 

Stenella attenuate
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Holly Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Pantropical Spotted Dolphin:

"Pantropical spotted dolphins are sometimes nicknamed ‘spotters’. The degree of spottiness varies from population to population around the world…They are very gregarious and social dolphins and can often be found swimming in mixed schools with other species such as spinner dolphins. The size of their schools varies considerably; coastal schools usually number fewer than 100 dolphins, whereas offshore schools can consist of thousands of dolphins. Pantropical spotted dolphins are fast-swimming and agile; they frequently perform acrobatic splashy leaps and side-slaps. They are enthusiastic bowriders and wake-riders…Pantropical spotted dolphins tend to dive more deeply at night to feed. Unusually detailed information has been collected about this species because so many dead dolphins, killed by tuna fisheries have been available for study." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/pantropical-spotted-dolphin

COMMON DOLPHIN

Delphinus delphis
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Cash, Flynn and Rosie, Reception, Adalyn Y1, Alice and Rosie Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Common Dolphin:

"Previously considered as one species, in 1994 the common dolphin was separated into short and long-beak varieties. However, advances in science suggest the initial classification was correct and the common dolphin is in fact one species (with four sub-species), which shows considerable variation through its large range. Fast and furious for this friendly, sociable dolphin. Common dolphins typically travel in large groups numbering between 10 and 50 dolphins, and occasionally, hundreds if not thousands. Occasionally, different groups will come together to form mega-pods which can consist of over 10,000 dolphins. They are incredibly acrobatic and can often be seen breaching and breaking the water's surface at high speed, a behaviour which can be seen from some distance away. Entire pods will take turns to bow-ride all shapes and sizes of boat and they are often seen with other marine mammals (sometimes even bow-riding the wake of large whales) and feeding seabirds. Life however, can also be fraught with danger as short-beaked common dolphins are hunted throughout their range and are also increasingly becoming accidentally entangled in fishing gear." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/common-dolphin

HARBOR PORPOISE

Phocoena phocoena
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: James and Harry Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Whale and Dolphin Conservation/Harbor Porpoise:

"Cute and compact, harbor porpoises show that good things do come in small packages. The English word ‘porpoise’ is derived from the Latin word for pig – porcus. Rather unflatteringly, the harbor porpoise used to be known as the ‘puffing pig’, because of the sneeze-like puffing sound they make when they breathe! Harbour porpoises are relatively small compared to other dolphins…Life for a harbour porpoise is by all accounts pretty fast and furious. They mature at an earlier age, reproduce more frequently and have a shorter lifespan compared to other toothed cetaceans (the collective name for all whales, dolphins and porpoises). Mostly seen on their own, harbour porpoises are sometimes found in small groups. The most common social grouping is that of mum and baby." uk.whales.org/whales-dolphins/species-guide/harbour-porpoise

NORTHERN FUR SEAL

 

Callorhinus ursinus
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: 650,000; population trend: DECREASING
Drawing: Mr Borthwick King Edward VI School, UK

Ocean Conservancy/ Northern Fur Seal:

STELLER SEA LION

 

Eumetopias jubatus
Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED (IUCN Red List)
Population: 81,327; population trend: INCREASING
Drawings: Katie Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Charlotte Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Ocean Conservancy/Steller Sea Lion:

"Steller sea lions are the largest species of sea lion. Steller sea lions can weigh up to 2,500 pounds. Bull males are by far the largest and the heaviest, up to three times the size of the average female... Steller sea lions are very social...Unlike “true seals” such as harbor seals and elephant seals, sea lions have long front flippers and hind flippers that can rotate, allowing them to move much better on land. Steller sea lions are rather chatty when they’re around other Steller sea lions—they use grumbles, growls and roars to communicate...Males develop long, coarse manes as they get older, similar to a lion’s mane—a true “lion of the sea.” Read more here: oceanconservancy.org/wildlife-factsheet/steller-sea-lions

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL

Arctocephalus townsendi 
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: 10,000; population trend: INCREASING
Drawing: Rocco Y2,  Elijah Y2, Charlotte Y1 and Frances Y1, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Oceana/Guadalupe Fur Seal:

"Guadalupe fur seals are members of the eared seal family…[they have] strong front flippers for propelling its body through the water and walking on land. They feed primarily at night on squid and other forage fish, diving to depths of up to 65 feet. During the summer, Guadalupe fur seals likely fall prey to killer whales and great white sharks around Guadalupe Island. Guadalupe fur seals were hunted extensively for their fur during the 1800s and were believed to be extinct until a small population of 14 individuals was spotted in 1954." oceana.org/marine-life/guadalupe-fur-seal/

CALIFORNIA SEA LION

Zalophus californianus 
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: 180,000; population trend: INCREASING
Drawing: Keanu high school student, California (CFF workshop)

Ocean Conservancy/California Sea Lion

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL

Mirounga angustirostris
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: 110,000; population trend: INCREASING
Drawings: Olivia and Jess Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Britannica/Elephant Seal:

"Elephant seal, also called sea elephant, either of the two largest pinnipeds (aquatic mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia): the northern elephant seal, now found mainly on coastal islands off California and Baja California; or the southern elephant seal, found throughout sub-Antarctic regions. Elephant seals are gregarious animals named for their size and for the male’s inflatable, trunklike snout...The northern elephant seal is yellowish or gray-brown, and the southern is blue-gray...Males attain a length of approximately 6.5 metres...and are much larger than the females... Elephant seals feed on fish and on squid or other cephalopods." Read more here: www.britannica.com/animal/elephant-seal

HARBOR SEAL

Phoca vitulina
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: 315,000; population trend: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Isabella, Reception and Lucy Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Oceana/Harbor Seal:

“Harbor seals are members of the true seal or “earless seal” family…Like other true seals, harbor seals do not have external ears and cannot use their hind flippers to move on land. Instead, these pinnipeds “bounce” in a caterpillar-like motion…In water, harbor seals are much more graceful. They can spend several days at sea foraging for food and even sleep underwater for up to 30 minutes at a time.” oceana.org/marine-life/harbor-seal/

SEA OTTER

Enhydra lutris
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Isla Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Sterling age 5, California (CFF workshop)

Oceana/Sea Otter:

"The charismatic sea otter is one of the most well-known marine mammals today. The largest member of the weasel family, they can grow to be nearly 5 feet long and weigh almost 100 pounds. They spend nearly their entire life in the ocean…Sea otters feed almost exclusively on marine invertebrates such as sea urchins, clams, mussels, and crabs. Since shelled prey like this can be difficult to eat, sea otters have devised a special way to break open their meal. Otters will dive down to collect a rock which they then strike their prey with repeatedly until it opens. Their special taste for sea urchins means that sea otters serve an important ecosystem role in regulating sea urchin populations and preventing overgrazing on giant kelp. This in turn helps kelp forests flourish, making sea otters a “keystone species” in the ecosystems where they live...Since sea otters lack the thick layer of blubber that most marine mammals have to insulate them from cold ocean waters, sea otters depend on their thick fur to keep them warm. Unfortunately, this unique adaptation also made otter fur very attractive, almost driving the species to near extinction through the 18^th and 19^th century fur trade. Though sea otters have gained legal protection throughout much of their range, today oil spills pose the greatest human-made threats to these creatures, as oil causes a sea otter’s fur to lose its insulation ability, leading to hypothermia." Read more here: oceana.org/marine-life/sea-otter

SEA TURTLES

HAWKSBILL TURTLE

Eretmochelys imbric
Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Skye Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Oceana/Hawksbill Turtle:

"The hawksbill turtle gets its common name from the shape of its curved, pointed beak, which resembles that of a bird of prey. They use this beak to feed on sponges and other invertebrates growing on coral reefs. Hawksbill turtles send part of their lives in the open ocean, but are more reef-associated than other species of sea turtles. Like many other species of marine turtles, hawksbills spend most of their time in the water with females only coming to shore to lay eggs. Unfortunately, there are many threats to hawksbill turtle populations, and scientists consider this species to be critically endangered. Coastal development has reduced the area where they can successfully nest, dogs and other animals often destroy nests, and people harvest their eggs for food." oceana.org/marine-life/hawksbill-turtle

GREEN TURTLE

Chelonia mydas
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Piper H.,

Piper W., and Sussi, California (CFF workshop); Kaden age 4, California (Laguna Beach High School workshop); Nola Y2 East Boldon Infant School, UK

Oceana/Green Turtle:

"The green turtle is the largest species in the family of hard-shelled sea turtles and second largest to the leatherback turtle among all sea turtles. Its common name comes not from the color of its skin or shell, which is common among most sea turtle species, but from the greenish color of its fat. The green turtle is the only sea turtle that is a strict herbivore, and its diet of seagrass and algae may contribute to the green fatty tissue. Similarly to other sea turtles, green turtles are known to travel incredibly long distances during their lifetimes. In some cases, individuals may travel across entire ocean basins from their feeding areas to nesting beaches in the tropics and sub-tropics. Green turtles use the earth’s magnetic field like an invisible map to navigate throughout their migrations." oceana.org/marine-life/green-turtle

LOGGERHEAD TURTLE

Caretta caretta
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Holly, Ethan and Alannah Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Ruby Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Oceana/Loggerhead Turtle:

"The loggerhead turtle is a large-bodied sea turtle named for its broad, strong head. These turtles are generalists predators and use their muscular heads and powerful jaws to crush the shells of queen conch, Caribbean spiny lobsters and other hard-shelled invertebrates. Loggerhead turtles spend the majority of their time in the ocean with females only coming ashore to nest." oceana.org/marine-life/loggerhead-turtle

LEATHERBACK TURTLE

Dermochelys coriacea
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: left: Lily and Lacie Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Oceana/Leatherback Turtle:

"The leatherback turtle is the largest living turtle on the planet. Unlike all other marine turtles, the leatherback turtle does not have a hard, bony carapace (shell). Instead, as its name implies, it has a tough, rubbery shell that is composed of cartilage-like tissues. Unlike many other reptile species, leatherback turtles are able to maintain warm body temperatures in cold water due to some unique adaptations that allows them to generate and retain body heat, including their large body size, a thick layer of fat and changing their swimming activity. Leatherback turtles are known to travel incredibly long distances during their lifetimes. They can also stay underwater for up to 85 minutes." oceana.org/marine-life/leatherback-turtle

SHARKS AND RAYS

TOPE

Galeorhinus galeus
Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Olivia and Holly Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

A member of the Houndshark family, the Tope is known by many names including Soupfin Shark, School Shark, Flake, Rig, Penny’s Dog, Snapper Shark, Liver-oil Shark, and Miller’s Dog. Harmless to humans the Tope is hunted for its liver oil, fins and meat. It is also a victim of bycatch (unintentionally caught during fishing for other species).

SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD

Sphyrna lewini 
Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: above: Abbey, Josephine, Molly and Olivia Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Poppy Reception and Belle Y1, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Oceana/Scalloped Hammerhead Shark:

"The wide, hammer-shaped head gives [Hammerhead sharks] their common name, and the scalloped hammerhead is named for the notches found along the front edge of its head. Like all hammerhead sharks, the scalloped hammerhead is an active predator and gains several advantages from the shape of its head. The widely spaced eyes, nostrils, and other senses allow the scalloped hammerhead to more successfully locate its prey near, or buried in, the sea floor. Also, the scalloped hammerhead may use its head to pin stingrays to the bottom, allowing them to successfully eat those difficult to capture species. Historically, the scalloped hammerhead shark could be observed forming very large schools of hundreds (or more) adults, but this phenomenon makes the species vulnerable to targeted fishing, and many known grouping areas have been mostly depleted." oceana.org/marine-life/scalloped-hammerhead-shark

SHORTFIN MAKO

Isurus oxyrinchus
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Sophie Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Oceana/Shortfin Mako:

"With top speeds of 45 miles per hour (74 kilometers per hour), the shortfin mako is the fastest shark and is one of the fastest fishes on the planet. This species’ athleticism is not restricted to its swimming speeds. It is known for its incredible leaping ability and can be observed jumping to extreme heights (out of the water) when hunting. Shortfin mako sharks are known to be highly migratory, with individuals making long migrations every year. Everywhere that they live, they are either targeted commercially or captured accidentally in fisheries targeting other species. These sharks are valued for the high quality of their fins and meat. Without increased conservation and management efforts, this species’ populations will continue to decline, perhaps to a dangerous degree." oceana.org/marine-life/shortfin-mako-shark

SPINETAIL DEVIL RAY

Mobula mobular 
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Alexandria Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Shark Trust/Spinetail Devil Ray:

"Also known as the Devil Fish or Giant Devil Ray, Spinetail Devil Rays are known for their devil-like horns and aerial acrobatics. With a maximum wingspan of 3.5m, the Spinetail Devil Ray (a.k.a. Giant Devil Ray) lives up to its name. However, it’s only the 3^rd largest ray in the Mobula genus. The Giant Oceanic Manta and Reef Manta come in at 7m and 5.5m respectively. There are several species known as Devil Rays. These include species like the Lesser Devil Ray and Pygmy Devil Ray. They are the only devil fish with a spiny tail. Known for its aerial acrobatics, it’s capable of leaping from the water to great heights." sharktrust.org/blog/creature-feature-spinetail-devil-ray

 

 

Carcharodon carcharias
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Luca and Evan Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Dymo, K and Sterling (age 5) California (CFF workshop); Anthony California (Laguna Beach High School workshop); Fitz California (LAM workshop)

Shark Trust/White Shark:

"This supreme apex predator is perfectly adapted to their environment. With a large torpedo shaped body and powerful tail they're truly built for speed. At top speed they can reach up to 25mph. White Sharks belong to a group of sharks (known as the mackerel sharks) who have a remarkable adaptation that enables them to retain warmth. This makes them much more efficient hunters. White Sharks vary in colour (from olive to brown or grey) with a white underbelly, which is what is thought to have given them their name. This counter shading acts as camouflage. Concealed from above and below, they’re able to sneak up on unsuspecting prey. When turned on their back, Great White Sharks enter a trance-like state known as tonic immobility. It’s thought that being upside down disorientates them, causing this unusual response. As a top predator White Sharks play a key role in keeping our oceans healthy. They do this by keeping other populations in check and preying on the sick and old. This prevents the spread of disease and helps to improve the gene pool. Scientists estimate that White Sharks can live 70 years or more. Making them one of the longest-living sharks!" sharktrust.org/Blog/creature-feature-white-shark

SMOOTH HAMMERHEAD

Sphyrna zygaena
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Tommy Reception, Darcy and Riley Y1, Elijah, Alex, India and Jai Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK 

Shark Trust/Smooth Hammerhead Shark:

"Hammerhead sharks are aptly named for their very distinctive hammer-shaped heads. This unique adaptation improves their manoeuvrability, enables them to see 360°, and enhances their ability to detect electrical currents. A sixth sense that all sharks have. The hammerhead shark family is made up of 9 species. The largest of which are the Great, Scalloped and Smooth. Each have slight variations to the front edge of their head…and their names hold the clue. The head (or cephalophoil) of a Smooth Hammerhead is smooth and more rounded in shape. Whereas the Scalloped has wavy indentations like a scallop shell. The largest of them all - the Great Hammerhead - has a much straighter front edge. The biggest threat facing Smooth Hammerheads comes from overfishing. While there's no target fishery for this species, they're highly-prized for their fins. So, if captured as bycatch they’re often retained throughout much of their geographic range." sharktrust.org/Blog/creature-feature-smooth-hammerhead

SMALLTOOTH SAND TIGER

Odontaspis ferox 
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Brooke Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Britannica/Sand Sharks:

"[T]he smalltooth sand tiger shark and the bigeye sand tiger shark are largely deepwater species. Smalltooth sand tigers spend more time than bigeye sand tigers in shallow waters near islands and coastlines. The smalltooth sand tiger is the largest of the three sand shark species, commonly measuring about 3.6 metres (11.8 feet) in length." britannica.com/animal/sand-shark

BLACKTIP SHARK

Carcharhinus limbatus
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Mikey Y1; Arlo and Rose Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK 

Oceana/Blacktip Shark:

"The blacktip shark is a widespread, medium-sized shark characterized by its black-tipped pectoral, dorsal and tail fins that give this species its name. It is often mistaken for the spinner shark because both species have torpedo-shaped bodies and are known for spinning out of the water while feeding. Blacktip sharks have been recorded making at least 3 rotations before falling back into the water.Blacktip sharks also have an excellent sense of smell and can detect one part of fish flesh in 10 billion parts of seawater. Unlike many large marine species that fall victim to bycatch, the blacktip shark is a primary, direct target of many commercial fisheries. Blacktip sharks are fished commercially for their highly regarded meat in American, Mexican, Indian and Mediterranean markets, as well as for their fins in East Asian markets. Blacktip sharks are also fished recreationally in U.S. and Mexico waters. Currently, there is no international management plan for the blacktip shark fishery." oceana.org/marine-life/blacktip-shark

COMMON THRESHER

Alopias vulpinus
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: below: Lucie and Ewan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Oceana/Common Thresher Shark:

"The common thresher shark is most notable for its long, top caudal fin, or tail fin. However, what you may not know about this shark is that they use this top fin to herd, whip, stun and catch their prey. Their top tail fin can grow to be three meters long – equivalent to up to half the length of their entire body. Their distinctive tail is useful for other purposes as well – the length helps them swim fast as they round up anchovies, herring and other schooling fish to then strike, stun and eat. They have a short, rounded snout and large eyes that are positioned close to the front of their head. Adults average around four to six metres in length. Even though they have a short snout, they still have around 50 rows of triangular, sharp teeth that help them catch the small fish they eat. Common thresher sharks are strong swimmers and can leap out of the water thanks to the speed and power generated by their long tail fin." oceana.ca/en/marine-life/common-thresher-shark

BROADNOSE SEVENGILL SHARK

Notorynchus cepedianus
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Belle Y1; Jasper Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK 

Save Our Seas/Broadnose Sevengill Shark:

"Broadnose sevengill cowsharks, named for their blunt nose and seven pairs of gills, are top predators that feed on a variety of high order prey, like marine mammals, fish and other chondrichthyans. This means they play a vital role in the shallow coastal ecosystems they inhabit. Intensive fishing pressure from target and non-target fisheries is the predominant threat to sevengills; it is estimated they have decreased by 30 to 49% in the past 60 years. Broadnose sevengills have been known to ‘spy-hop’, a behaviour more commonly associated with cetaceans. This is where an individual lifts its head out of the water to have a look around!" saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/species/broadnose-sevengill-cowshark

BLUE SHARK

Prionace glauca
Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Amy California (LAM workshop)

Oceana/Blue Shark:

Blue sharks are curious, open-ocean predators that live throughout the global ocean, from the tropics to cold temperate waters. They spend most of their lives far from the coast and are truly a pelagic species. The common name comes from the blue color of the skin, unique among the sharks. Blue sharks are known to be highly migratory, with individuals making several trips across entire ocean basins throughout their lifetimes. The blue shark has one of the largest geographic distributions among the sharks and was historically one of the most (if not the most) common pelagic sharks in the world." oceana.org/marine-life/blue-shark

TIGER SHARK

Galeocerdo cuvier
Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Finley Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Shark Trust/Tiger Shark:

Tiger Sharks are one of the largest sharks in the world. They belong to one of the largest family of sharks – the requiem sharks. Containing around 60 species, this group is primarily made up of powerful medium-large sized sharks, including the Bull Shark, Oceanic Whitetip, Blue Shark and Silky Shark. These sharks are quick and agile hunters and tend to have voracious appetites. Tiger Sharks in particular have gained a reputation for their eating habits, earning them their nickname ‘Dustbin of the Sea'. They’ll eat almost anything! Feeding on venomous sea snakes, clams, crabs, squid, fish, sharks, rays, turtles, seals, dolphins, birds, carrion, and even human rubbish! Bottles, paint cans, leather jackets, license plates, car tyres and Senegalese drums, have also been found in their stomachs. With such a varied diet, Tiger Sharks play a key role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. By preying on the sick and old, they prevent the spread of disease across a broad range of species. Their mere presence also helps protect seagrass – a vital habitat for many marine species. It's thought Tiger Sharks live 20-37 years." sharktrust.org/Blog/creature-feature-tiger-shark

PACIFIC ANGEL SHARK

 

Squatina californica
Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Lucie Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Oceana/Pacific Angel Shark:

"The Pacific angel shark is one of 23 angel sharks, noted for their flattened appearance that makes them resemble skates or rays. These flat sharks have broad pectoral fins and relatively large mouths, which they use to create intense negative pressure (suction) when feeding. Pacific angel sharks live on soft bottoms near rocky reefs and kelp forests. Their color patterns and flat bodies allow them to blend in very well with the seafloor, and they are able to pump water over their gills, allowing them to remain perfectly still. Pacific angel sharks are ambush predators that patiently wait for prey species – typically a variety of bony fishes and some small sharks – to swim a bit too close." oceana.org/marine-life/pacific-angel-shark/

SHOVELNOSE GUITARFISH

Pseudobatos productus
Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Katie Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Oceana/Shovelnose Guitarfish:

"The shovelnose guitarfish is a relatively small-bodied ray that has the typical wing-like pectoral fins of all rays but a body that otherwise resembles a shark’s. Like most rays, this species lives on the seafloor, typically settled on soft sandy or muddy bottoms, often near rocky reefs. Shovelnose guitarfish have the ability to pump water over their gills, so they are able to remain perfectly motionless. The guitarfishes are a group of skates (as opposed to stingrays). They do not have barbs or “stingers” like some other rays, and they are totally harmless to people. Shovelnose guitarfish are directly targeted in small fisheries throughout much of their range. They are also accidentally captured in net fisheries targeting other species. In some areas (particularly in northern Mexico), their numbers have been depleted significantly, and scientists now believe that the species is near threatened with extinction." oceana.org/marine-life/shovelnose-guitarfish

GREY SMOOTH-HOUND

Mustelus californicus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Conor Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK 

A member of the Houndshark family, the slender Grey Smooth-hound has beautiful oval eyes, a pointed snout and grows to around 1 metre in length. Harmless to humans, it is found from California to South Mexico and travels in schools. Grey Smooth-hounds also like to hangout with Leopard Sharks! 

LEOPARD SHARK

Triakis semifasci
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Nicole Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

Like the Grey Smooth-hound, the Leopard Shark is also a member of the Houndshark family. So named after leopards for its exquisite spotted patterns, this slender fish is harmless to humans. It prefers shallow water and inhabits kelp forests and rocky reefs often congregating in bays and estuaries.  

SWELL SHARK

Swell Shark Cephaloscyllium ventriosum
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Lane and Shane (age 10) California (CFF workshop); Lieta California (Laguna Beach High School workshop)

A member of the catshark family, the Swell Shark has striking spotted markings and beautiful, large, golden cat-like eyes. This harmless, nocturnal fish is so named 'swell' as it has a rather fascinating defense mechanism against predators - when threatened it swallows water causing it to double in size and making it harder to eat.  

FRILLED SHARK

Chlamydoselachus anguineus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Dylan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Oceana/Frilled Shark:

"The frilled shark is a strange, prehistoric-looking shark that lives in the open ocean and spends much of its time in deep, dark waters far below the sea surface. Its long, cylindrical body reaches lengths of nearly 7 feet (2 m), and its fins are placed far back on the body. The frilled shark gets its name from the frilly appearance of its gill slits. Their normal swimming style, however, is distinctly eel-like, as they swim in a serpentine fashion. Frilled sharks are only very rarely encountered in the wild, so little is known about their ecology." oceana.org/marine-life/frilled-shark

BAT RAY

 

Myliobatis californica
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Ellie and Ismay Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Sterling age 5, California (LAM workshop)

With their flapping wings and mousey faces, Bat Rays do indeed resemble giant bats! A member of the eagle ray family, with wingspans of up to 5 feet, the Bat Ray inhabits kelp forests and sandy bays. Bat Rays are on the menu of sharks and California sea lions and are also captured to display in aquariums. 

THORNBACK RAY

Platyrhinoidis triseriata
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Ewan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

The Thornback Ray, also known as the Thornback Guitarfish, is certainly a prickly fish, with three rows of thorns on its back. It likes to bury in the sand in kelp forests and lagoons and ranges from Northern California to the Gulf of California. 

ROUND STINGRAY

 

Urobatis halleri
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: STABLE
Drawings: Rachel California (Laguna Beach High School workshop); Elliott and Graham California (LAM workshop)

The Round Stingray as its name suggests is almost circular in shape and has a venomous spine in its tail. Round Stingrays inhabit coastal waters and are most prevalent in Southern California. 

HORN SHARK

 

Heterodontus francisci
Conservation Status: DATA DEFICIENT (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Jordan age 10, California (CFF workshop)

Night hunters, Horn Sharks feed on molluscs, starfish, sea urchins and crustaceans. They are so named for the ridges over their eyes. Members of the bullhead shark family, they range from California to the Gulf of California.  

BANDED GUITARFISH

Zapteryx exasperate
Conservation Status: DATA DEFICIENT (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: above: Sam Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Resembling a flattened guitar, the Banded Guitarfish has large eyes and mottled patterns across its body. It can reach up to nearly a metre in length. Inhabiting rocky reefs and sandy lagoons, the Banded Guitarfish ranges from Central California to Mexico.

OTHER MARINE FISH 

GIANT SEA BASS

Stereolepis gigas 
Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings of juvenile and adult Sea Bass: Amanda California (LAM workshop); Ismay Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

National Park Service/Giant Sea Bass:

"The Giant Black Sea Bass is a unique species if not for any other reason than its extraordinary size. Its presence in the waters off of California and Baja California has played an important role in the health of the ecosystem in which it lives. With a position at or near the top of the food chain, it provides the balance required for an optimum marine environment. Prior to the 1950’s, this species of bony fish was very common to the near shore waters of Southern California. Due to over-fishing, their population was reduced to critically low levels. Back as far as the late 1970’s, the California Department of Fish and Game made it illegal to spearfish these giants. In 1982, both commercial and sport fishing of Giant Black Sea Bass was banned in California waters. It is estimated that the Giant Black Sea Bass is capable of growing to lengths of over 7 feet and weighing over 700 pounds." nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/giant-black-seabass

BOCACCIO ROCKFISH

Sebastes paucispinis
Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNSPECIFIED
Drawing: George Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Reaching up to 3 feet long, Bocaccio Rockfish can live up to 50 years. Ranging from Baja California to Alaska. Threatened by over-fishing Bocaccio Rockfish are listed as critically endangered.

GREEN STURGEON

Acipenser medirostris
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List)
Population: 5,000- 6,000; population trend: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Sam and Ewan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

Biological Diversity/Green Sturgeon:

"Green sturgeon are large with shark-like tails, sandpaper-textured skin, and five widely separated rows of bony plates called scutes. Adults have long, narrow, shovel-like snouts with whisker-like sensory organs called barbels on the undersides, and toothless “vacuum cleaner” mouths with no teeth. They are generally olive green in color, with a stripe down each side. Green sturgeon are found in the ocean from the Bering Sea, Alaska, as far south as Ensenada, Mexico; they frequent estuaries and bays from British Columbia, Canada, to Monterey Bay, California, and river mouths from the Skeena River, British Columbia, to the Sacramento River, California, but are only found significant distances inland in a handful of rivers in Oregon and California...The southern population has been reduced to about 300 spawning fish annually, while the northern population has been extirpated from at least four former spawning rivers." biologicaldiversity.org/species/fish/greensturgeon

CALIFORNIA SHEEPHEAD

Semicossyphus pulcher
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Robert and Ilyana Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Dakota age 10, California (CFF workshop); Poppy Y2 East Boldon Infants, UK

Ocean Conservancy/California Sheephead:

"California Sheephead are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and red colouring. They are also one of the biggest, toothiest fish in the kelp forest. The live in small groups along the rocky coastline of California. By day they forage for food, but at night they cover themselves in mucus and hide under rocks or in crevices to stay out of the eyes of predators. California sheephead are keystone predators, meaning they serve a very important role in the ecosystem. Their strong appetites are helpful to kelp forests. By feeding on lobsters and grazers, like urchins and gastropod mollusks, sheephead keep them from overgrazing on kelp. They help keep the forest healthy and in balance." oceanconservancy.org/wildlife-factsheet/california-sheephead

GIANT SEAHORSE

 

Hippocampus ingens
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Andy California (CFF workshop); Emily age 6 California (LAM workshop); Max Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Kash Reception, Matilda Y1, East Boldon Infant School, UK

Project Seahorse/Giant Seahorse:

"Extraordinarily large for a seahorse, Giant seahorses can grow to 31 cm long and are rivaled only by the big bellied seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) which can grow to 34 cm long. Pacific seahorse populations are typically confined to the coast that runs from California to Peru. Unfortunately, these gentle “giants” continue to be caught for use in cultural medicine, the aquarium trade, and the souvenir industry, and are presently listed as vulnerable." projectseahorse.org/gentle-underwater-giant-of-galapagos-the-pacific-seahorse

WHITE STURGEON

Acipenser transmontanus
Conservation Status: VULNERABLE (IUCN Red List)
Population: STABLE
Drawing: Dylan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

IUCN Red List/White Sturgeon:

"Generally anadromous (fish live in the sea and migrate to fresh water to breed (Britannica)), but some subpopulations are landlocked and spend their entire life cycle in freshwater. Acipenser transmontanus is the largest freshwater fish species in North America. The largest White Sturgeon on record weighed approximately 682 kg and was taken from the Snake River, Idaho in 1898. Individuals from landlocked subpopulations tend to be smaller. Across its global distribution, White Sturgeon has generation lengths within the range 54–70 years; three generations for the species is somewhere between 162 and 210 years." iucnredlist.org/species/234/97440736

SWORDFISH

Xiphias gladius
Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Ethan, Dylan and Freddy Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Sterling age 5, California (LAM workshop)

CALIFORNIA MORAY EEL

Gymnothorax mordax
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Owen Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

BLUE BANDED GOBY

Lythrypnus dalli
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: STABLE
Drawings: Lucy, Martha and Alannah Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

OPAH

Lampris guttatus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Mia and Kristin (DftP Advisor) California (Laguna Beach High School workshop); Layton Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

GARIBALDI

Hypsypops rubicundus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Juliet age 6 California (LAM workshop); Grace P. Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Mina Y2 East Boldon Infant School

COMMON DOLPHIN FISH

Coryphaena hippurus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: STABLE
Drawings: above left: Leah and Jennifer Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Marlie, Jia and Ryan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

PAINTED GREENLING

 

Oxylebius pictus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Grace Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

STRIPED MARLIN

Kajikia audax
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Anne, California (CFF workshop); Yasemin Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

YELLOWFIN TUNA

Thunnus albacares
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Lucy Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

PACIFIC LAMPREY

Entosphenus tridentatus 
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Chloe and Freddy Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

THREEBANDED BUTTERFLY FISH

Chaetodon humeralis
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: STABLE
Drawings: Sarah Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Emily Y2 East Boldon Infant School

WOLF-EEL

 

Anarrhichthys ocellatus 
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Macy Y9 King Edward VI School, UK  

Brotulotaenia nielseni

 

Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Will Y9 King Edward VI School, UK  

KELP GREENLING

Hexagrammos decagrammus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Regan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

NARROWNOSE CHIMAERA

Harriotta raleighana
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: STABLE
Drawing: Tyler Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

REDTAIL TRIGGERFISH

Xanthichthys mento
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Evie and Chloe Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Freya Reception, Daisy and Lucy Y1, Isaac Y2 East Boldon Infant School, UK

GRUNT SCULPIN

Rhamphocottus richardsonii
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Tom and Lucy Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

SAILFIN SCULPIN

Nautichthys oculofasciatus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Alice and Kiera Y1, Ollie Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK

SPOTTED RATFISH

 

Hydrolagus colliei
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List)
Population: INCREASING
Drawing: Jia Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

FLAG ROCKFISH

Sebastes rubrivinctus
Conservation Status: UNLISTED ON IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Jess Y10 Kepier Academy, UK 

TREEFISH

Sebastes serriceps
Conservation Status: UNLISTED ON IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Oliver, Mia and Leigha and Kaden (age 4) California (Laguna Beach High School workshop)

QUILLBACK ROCKFISH

 

 

Sebastes maliger
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Mr Akhtar (Teacher) King Edward VI School, UK 

ROSY ROCKFISH

 

Sebastes rosaceus
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Olivia Y10 Kepier Academy, UK 

CHINA ROCKFISH

Sebastes nebulosus
Conservation Status: UNLISTED (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Evan Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Ms Apthorpe (Teaching Assistant) King Edward VI School, UK; Lewis Y2 East Boldon Infant School 

MARINE MOLLUSCSS

RED ABALONE

Haliotis rufescens
Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List) 
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Lucas Y2 East Boldon Infant School, UK; Halle age 10, California (CFF workshop) 

PINTO ABALONE

Haliotis kamtschatkana 
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List) 
Population: DECREASING
Drawings: Brooke Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

CALIFORNIA TWO-SPOT OCTOPUS

Octopus bimaculoides
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Lucia Y10 Kepier Academy, UK; Malina, Daniel and Morgan California (CFF workshop) 

NORTH PACIFIC BIG-EYED OCTOPUS

Enteroctopus californicus
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Josephine Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS

Enteroctopus dofleini
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Logan age 10, California (LAM workshop); Henry Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK

FLAPJACK OCTOPUS

Opisthoteuthis californiana
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Rebecca and Sterling (age 5) California (LAM workshop)

WINGED ARGONAUT

Argonauta hians
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Josephine Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

EAST PACIFIC RED OCTOPUS

Octopus rubescens 
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Thomas Reception, Henry Y1, East Boldon Infant School, UK 

BLACK-EYED SQUID

Gonatus onyx
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Ewan Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

OPALESCENT INSHORE SQUID

Doryteuthis opalescens
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Amber Y10 Kepier Academy, UK 

STRAWBERRY SQUID

Histioteuthis heteropsis
Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Matilda and Katie, Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

BIGFIN SQUID

Rossia pacifica
Conservation Status: DATA DEFICIENT (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Mrs Munslow Teacher, Emily Y1, Max M. and Raf Y2, East Boldon Infant School, UK 

STUBBY SQUID

 

Rossia pacifica
Conservation Status: DATA DEFICIENT (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Mrs Apthorpe (Teaching Assistant) Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

KELLET'S WHELK

Kelletia kelletii
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Timi Y10 Kepier Academy, UK 

SPANISH SHAWL

Flabellinopsis iodinea
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Michelle California (LAM workshop)

CALIFORNIA AGLAJA 

Navanax inermis
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Leland California (LAM workshop)

CALIFORNIA BLUE DORID

Felimare californiensis
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Shannon Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

MCDONALD'S DORID

 

Limacia mcdonaldi
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Lily Y9 King Edward VI School, UK

MARINE CRUSTACEANS

CALIFORNIA BAY PEA CRAB

 

Parapinnixa affinis
Conservation Status: ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List) 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Katie Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

STRIPED SHORE CRAB

Pachygrapsus crassipes
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Lauren California (CFF workshop); Cherie California (LAM workshop)

TUNA CRAB

Pleuroncodes planipes
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Coban Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Karen California (LAM workshop)

RED ROCK CRAB

Cancer productus
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Leo Y1, Daniel and Lucy Y2 East Boldon Infant School, UK

BLUEBAND HERMIT CRAB

Pagurus samuelis
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: David Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

CALIFORNIA SPOT PRAWN

Pandalus platyceros
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Declan California (CFF workshop); Aiden Y10 Kepier Academy, UK

OTHER MARINE INVERTEBRATES

SUNFLOWER SEA STAR

Pycnopodia helianthoides
Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (IUCN Red List) 
Population: DECREASING
Drawing: Theo Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

STARBURST ANEMONE

 

Anthopleura sola
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawing: Sarah Y9 King Edward VI School, UK 

PACIFIC SEA NETTLE

Chrysaora fuscescens
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Lara Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Halle California (CFF workshop) 

PURPLE STRIPED JELLYFISH

Chrysaora colorata
Conservation Status: UNLISTED IUCN Red List 
Population: UNKNOWN
Drawings: Brid Y9 King Edward VI School, UK; Ava California (LAM workshop)

ABOUT LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

Since 1918, artist-founded Laguna Art Museum has been intrinsically tied to Laguna Beach’s development from an art colony into what today is considered the California Riviera. The museum continues to be a center for art and artists that define what it means to live in or be inspired by our region’s diverse values, people and environments.

Over 5,000 exceptional works of art in the museum’s collection, and special curated exhibitions allow Laguna Art Museum to maintain an exhibition and program schedule as fast-paced as the adjacent Pacific Coast Highway. Our warm and welcoming staff allows for visitors to be as relaxed and laid back as if they were on the stretch of sandy beach just steps from our door. The museum excels at bringing people together throughout the year with a multitude of opportunities designed to embody the California experience. Visit Laguna Art Museum here: lagunaartmuseum.org

ABOUT COAST FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL

ABOUT DRAWING FOR THE PLANET

We are a global art and environmental education charity with drawing, one of the oldest forms of communication, at its core. Founded by Artist, Jane Lee McCracken, to share her passions for drawing and wildlife, we partner with international wildlife charity Born Free, conservationists, artists, educators and cultural institutions. Through our art, education, exhibition and conservation fundraising projects we give children, communities and wildlife a voice. Watch our video and visit us at: www.drawingfortheplanet.org 

facebook.com/DrawingforthePlanet
instagram.com/drawingfortheplanet_org

twitter.com/DrawingftPlanet

Support our global projects, help protect wildlife and give the gift of art and wildlife by donating or becoming a member here:

drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/donate 
drawingfortheplanet.org/pages/membership

ABOUT JANE LEE MCCRACKEN

Shh it's a Tiger! 2013 Biro drawing © Jane Lee McCracken

Artist Jane Lee McCracken constructs intricate multi-layered Biro drawings, sculptures, installations and designs products.  Her work explores loss to both humans and animals generated by human destruction and is representational of both life's beauty and brutal reality. She is also the Founder and CEO of Drawing for the Planet global art, environmental education and conservation charity. 

Over the last decade, through her art she has raised funds for conservation organisations and delivered drawing and environmental education workshops to 1000's of people across the world. In 2019 she founded Where Did All the Animals Go? Project in partnership with Born Free and in 2021 founded Drawing for the Planet. Explore Jane's art:

janeleemccracken.co.uk