The Java stingaree has become the first marine fish declared extinct due to human activity, raising concerns about the future of vulnerable species in our oceans.
Chris Baraniuk reports for the BBC.
In short:
- The Java stingaree, last seen in 1862, was declared extinct by scientists in 2023, marking the first marine fish extinction linked to human actions.
- Researchers relied on decades of fishing data from Indonesia to conclude that human activity, especially fishing, likely led to the species' decline.
- Scientists caution that more marine species could face extinction, as fishing and habitat destruction continue to impact sensitive ecosystems.
Key quote:
"I think, overwhelmingly, it was us."
— Julia Constance, PhD candidate, Charles Darwin University
Why this matters:
The Java stingaree wasn’t flashy or famous, yet its disappearance represents a bigger crisis in our oceans—one that's largely silent but deadly. For a planet that relies on ocean health—whether we’re talking about food security, climate regulation, or biodiversity—this loss signals deeper environmental and health consequences. The extinction of the Java stingaree isn’t just a tragedy of the past; it’s a warning about the future. Read more: The muddy waters of US ocean protection.
