Threatened and Thriving Poster Series
As part of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 10th anniversary celebration in 2002, a commemorative series was released featuring six beautiful original art posters depicting one threatened and one thriving species. The back of each poster contains natural history information. Artist and scientific illustrator Kirsten Carlson created the original artwork. The poster images can be printed below in 8.5" x 11" size and 11" x 14" size. Printed copies are available at the Sanctuary Exploration Center Gift Store.
Blue Whale and Krill
Blue whales are the largest creatures on Earth, reaching an average length of 85-100 feet. They once were plentiful, but whaling led to their decline. They feed on tiny shrimp-like crustaceans, krill that can be found in clusters of billions of individuals.
Download 8.5” x 11” size
Download 11” x 14” size
Northern Elephant Seal and Western Snowy Plover
A diminutive shorebird, the Pacific population of the Western snowy plover is now one of the most endangered species in the United States. Northern elephant seals, the largest pinnipeds in the northern hemisphere, were once hunted to near extinction. Now they are thriving in many parts of California.
Download 8.5” x 11” size
Download 11” x 14” size
Coho Salmon and Pacific Sardine
The Coho, or silver salmon is an anadromous fish. It is born in fresh water and spends its adult life at sea. The loss of available spawning streams and fishing pressures have caused this species to decline. The Pacific sardine was once the most important commercially harvested fish in California. After numbers dropped drastically in the 1950's, this little fish is thriving once again.
Download 8.5” x 11” size
Download 11” x 14” size
Northern Right Whale and Western Gull
The North Pacific right whale became one of the world's most endangered mammals after it was hunted to near extinction. In contrast, the Western gull thrives along the California coast, with more than 50,000 breeding age birds. Western gulls are supreme opportunists, feeding on fish, invertebrates and even human garbage.
Download 8.5” x 11” size
Download 11” x 14” size
Southern Sea Otter and Giant Kelp
Southern sea otter, which can be found around kelp forests and along rocky shorelines. Once hunted to near extinction for its lush fur, the sea otter population is still threatened by environmental toxins and disease. Sea otters are often seen wrapped up in giant kelp. Kelp forests provide oxygen, nutrients, and habitat for a variety of invertebrates and fish species.
Download 8.5” x 11” size
Download 11” x 14” size
