16% of the species related to 'Finding Nemo' protagonists are extremely vulnerable

Dec 13, 2011 16:14 GMT  ·  By
Experts believe that Finding Nemo has encouraged the trade of cute marine creatures
   Experts believe that Finding Nemo has encouraged the trade of cute marine creatures

Disney's Finding Nemo has managed to capture the interest of animal fans worldwide. Experts want to exploit the popularity of the show to raise the public opinion's level of awareness regarding biodiversity and vulnerable creatures.

After monitoring 1,568 species, a team of Canadian and American researchers claim that up to 16% of the cute, lovable species introduced by the appreciated American animated film written and directedby Andrew Stanton. face extinction, the Washington Post informs.

Even though 'Finding Nemo' is a comi-drama, the reality is far more tragic, since actual evidence reveal that the beautiful ecosystems presented in the 2003 production could be significantly less biodiverse in the near future.

The recent study highlights that representatives from the scientific family Pomacentrida represent the most exposed creatures.

This is the main conclusion of a study issued by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in partnership with the Canadian Simon Fraser University.

Apparently one of the most powerful threats for turtles, rays and sharks appears is the direct human exploitation. Experts warn that such popular productions often boost the aquarium trade, putting adorable, vulnerable marine creatures like at great risk.