Outline Assignment

Name: Sarah Springle

Course Number: SCIN130

Presentation Topic: Sources

Source #1

The Marine Mammal Center. (2020). Hawaiian monk seal. https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/animal-care/learn-about-marine-mammals/pinnipeds/hawaiian-monk-seal

Summary

The Marine Mammal Center website provides crucial information about the conservation activities of the organization. These organization volunteers in responding to marine animals distress along the coast of California and the larger region of Hawaii. The saved animals are treated and rehabilitated at the organization’s Main Marine Hospital located in California. Information on Center website is updated daily by organization’s qualified communication staff using verified facts sourced from various professionals working in the organization. The website also reports that the Center has over one thousand three hundred professionals drawn from various fields who assist in undertaking its activities. One of the most notable work at the Marine Mammal Center is in saving the endangered monk seals that are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Conservation efforts by the organization and partnerships with other players are slowly transforming ocean ecosystems and inspiring government institutions and the public to do develop more positive perspectives about marine life.

Evaluation

The Center’s website has thousands of visits in a day in people seeking information about the organization, contacting the organization to report on distressed animals or volunteering to partner with the Center. As such, the organization ensures that the information provided in the website accurately covers almost all the conservation aspects undertaken by the Center. Extensive descriptions of the monk seal and other seal species underlines the vast knowledge of the authors about marine mammals. Such information can only be accessed from a source that has extensively studied the individual species and documented their physical characteristics and behaviors. Given the reputation of the organization gained through decades of conservation work, verification of facts before availing them to the public becomes a critical consideration. Again, the organization’s reliance on professionals is fields such as veterinary medicine, ecology, marine science, among others adds to the trustworthiness of its information sources.

Source #2

Citation

(in APA format)

NOAA Fisheries. (2020). Hawaiian monk seal. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal

Summary

The author of the article provides key facts about Hawaiian monk seals including their physical appearance, behavior and most importantly their endangered status. They highlight the prolonged decline of the monk seals population in the last decades due to human activities, reporting that only about 1400 individuals remain in the wild (NOAA Fisheries, 2020). Habitat loss due global warming and pollution means that the monk seals have to adjust to less conducive environment hence preventing the species from thriving as before. Marine debris and carelessly disposed fishing gear also threatens the species as young and juvenile seals get entangled and die if intervention is unavailable. The author specifically blames human activities and interaction as the primary cause for the population decline. Consequently, questions persists on whether the seals will regain their previous population even with the current conservation efforts. The author notes that a scientific approach to conservation through quick response to distressed seals and provision of medical assistance and educating the public can have significant effects in reversing the previous losses.

Evaluation

NOOA Fisheries is s federal body mandated the task of protecting ocean resources and habitats. They are also concerned with protection of marine mammals through partnerships with other organizations involved in conservation. NOOA Fisheries employs over 4200 scientists, enforcement officers and policy managers who assist in fulfilling its mandate. The author provides verifiable facts ranging from scientific information about monk seals to local names and places. They further support the information with evidence, allowing the reader to quickly crosscheck for authenticity. As government body, the information provided on the NOOA Fisheries official websites is always checked for factual errors and any other forms of mistakes. The body also employs scientists and other professionals thus eliminating any chance that the author can provide misleading information without it going noticed.

Source #3

Citation

(in APA format)

National Geographic. (2015-2020). Hawaiian monk seal. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/h/hawaiian-monk-seal/

Summary

The Hawaiian Monk Seal article covers various aspects of the species beginning with information about their scientific classification, feeding habits and extending to their endangered status and finally conservation efforts to avoid their extinction. The author provides credible information on the habits of the species, noting that the Hawaiian monk seal prefer warmer waters of the Hawaiian Islands unlike other seals which live in frigid waters. The author also provides credible information about the threat to survival of the monk seals through global women and human pollution. The claim is supported by evidence that the population declined by 20% over the last three decades (National Geographic, 2020). Conservation efforts to save the monk seal are supported by the listing of the species as endangered. Notably, almost 30% of the surviving population exists due to conservation efforts by various players. The article then concludes populations are still on the decline but at a much slower rate thus presenting hope that the problem will be solved in the coming years.

Evaluation

National Geographic ranks among the most reputable global organization dedicated to conserving plant and animal life and their habitats. Years of providing credible information to millions of people means that the organization mastered its niche. The experience places National Geographic Society at the apex of sourcing and presenting information on nature. The article is thus a credible source of information about a species that inhabits a selected part of the ocean. Additionally, the website has thousands of visits in a thus increasing the possibility that any errors and misinformation will be noticed by the many readers. The possibility of conflict of interest is eliminated by the fact that National Geographic is a non-profit organization hence is unlikely to be affected by commercial interests.