Changes to the Endangered Species Act and the Decline of Pacific Gray Whales

《瀕危物種法》的修訂與太平洋灰鯨數量的下降

Jul 10, 2026, 20:37
InternationalEnvironment

Introduction

The United States government has changed the definition of 'harm' within the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This change happens at the same time that gray whale deaths are increasing significantly in the Pacific Ocean.

美國政府更改了《瀕危物種法》（ESA）中關於「傷害」的定義。而此變更發生之時，太平洋灰鯨的死亡數量正顯著增加。

Main Body

The Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce have decided to remove the protection of critical habitats from the legal definition of 'harm' under the ESA. This decision reverses a fifty-year rule that previously stopped the destruction of animal habitats. The administration claims that the old rules interfered too much with private property rights and blocked legal land use. However, lawyers from Earthjustice and the Center for Biological Diversity emphasized that this change removes vital protections for breeding and feeding areas, which could make the current biodiversity crisis worse. Furthermore, this move is part of a larger plan to make it easier for industries to access land for energy production.

內政部與商務部決定將關鍵棲息地的保護從《瀕危物種法》中關於「傷害」的法律定義中移除。此決定推翻了一項執行五十年的規則，該規則此前旨在阻止對動物棲息地的破壞。政府聲稱舊有規則過多地干涉私人財產權，並阻礙了合法的土地利用。然而，來自 Earthjustice 與生物多樣性中心（Center for Biological Diversity）的律師強調，此項變更取消了對繁殖與覓食區域至關重要的保護，可能會使目前的生物多樣性危機惡化。此外，此舉是一個更大計劃的一部分，旨在使工業界更容易取得用於能源生產的土地。

At the same time, the Pacific gray whale population has dropped sharply from about 20,000 in 2019 to fewer than 13,000 this year. Marine biologists believe this 'catastrophic mortality event' was mainly caused by the loss of sea ice in Alaska due to climate change, which destroyed their primary food sources. Other factors include collisions with ships, plastic pollution, and hunting in Russia. Although California has created voluntary slow-speed zones for ships to prevent accidents, similar efforts in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska have been blocked by industry groups. Consequently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is now reviewing a request to protect the gray whale under the ESA again.

與此同時，太平洋灰鯨的數量從 2019 年的大約 20,000 隻急劇下降至今年的不足 13,000 隻。海洋生物學家認為，這次「災難性死亡事件」主因是氣候變遷導致阿拉斯加海冰消失，摧毀了牠們的主要食物來源。其他因素包括與船隻碰撞、塑膠污染以及在俄羅斯的狩獵。雖然加州已為船隻設立自願性減速區以防止意外，但在俄勒岡州、華盛頓州與阿拉斯加州，類似的努力被工業團體阻撓。因此，美國國家海洋暨大氣管理局（NOAA）目前正在審核一份要求將灰鯨重新納入《瀕危物種法》保護的申請。

Conclusion

The federal government has reduced the level of protection for endangered species while the gray whale population faces serious environmental threats and awaits a decision on its legal status.

聯邦政府降低了對瀕危物種的保護程度，而與此同時灰鯨數量正面臨嚴重的環境威脅，並等待法律地位的決定。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Power-Up' Shift: Moving from Simple to Complex Connections

An A2 student says: "The whales are dying. Climate change is the reason." A B2 student says: "The population has dropped sharply due to climate change, which destroyed their food sources."

To bridge this gap, we are focusing on Complex Connectors and Relative Clauses. This is the secret to sounding fluid rather than robotic.

🔍 The 'Which' Bridge (Adding Detail Without Stopping)

In the text, we see: "...due to climate change, which destroyed their primary food sources."

Instead of starting a new sentence, use ", which..." to add a descriptive result to the previous idea.

  • A2 Level: The ice is melting. This is bad for whales.
  • B2 Level: The ice is melting, which is catastrophic for the whales.

🛠 Precision Vocabulary: Replacing "Very" and "Big"

B2 fluency requires specific adjectives. Look at how the article describes the decline:

  • ❌ Very big drop →\rightarrow ✅ Dropped sharply
  • ❌ Very bad event →\rightarrow ✅ Catastrophic event
  • ❌ Important areas →\rightarrow ✅ Vital protections

🧩 Logic Links: Cause and Effect

Stop using only "because." The article uses "Consequently" and "Furthermore."

WordWhen to use itExample from text/logic
FurthermoreTo add a second, stronger pointThe rule changed. Furthermore, it helps energy industries.
ConsequentlyTo show a direct resultShipping lanes are dangerous. Consequently, NOAA is reviewing the law.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want to reach B2, stop thinking in short sentences. Use ", which" to extend your thoughts and "Consequently" to lead your reader to the conclusion.

Vocabulary Learning

significantly (adv.)
In a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention.
Example:The number of gray whale deaths has increased significantly over the last few years.
reverse (v.)
To change a decision, plan, or process to the opposite of what it was.
Example:The new administration decided to reverse the previous rule regarding habitat protection.
interfere (v.)
To prevent a process or activity from continuing or being carried out properly.
Example:Some argue that environmental regulations interfere with private property rights.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing.
Example:Lawyers emphasized that the loss of breeding areas could worsen the biodiversity crisis.
vital (adj.)
Absolutely necessary or important for the success or existence of something.
Example:Protecting feeding areas is vital for the survival of the endangered species.
catastrophic (adj.)
Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.
Example:The loss of sea ice led to a catastrophic mortality event for the whale population.
voluntary (adj.)
Done, given, or agreed to without being forced or compelled.
Example:California established voluntary slow-speed zones to reduce ship collisions.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The population dropped sharply; consequently, NOAA is reviewing the request for protection.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→