Sea Otters - An Endangered Species

Southern Sea Otter

  • Dense, water repellent fur coat, helps them keep warm in cold waters.
  • Webbed feet and strong tail, helpful for traversing the ocean.
  • Sharp teeth for eating their primary diet of sea urchins, crab, and clam.
  • According to the latest population estimate from the U.S. Geological Survey (2020), the population is around 3,186 individuals.
  • Keystone species.



Species Habitat

  • Native to the coastal waters of central California in the United States, ranges from northern San Mateo County to Santa Barbara County in the south.
  • Primarily inhabit nearshore coastal waters, including bays, rocky shorelines, and kelp forests.
  • Typically stay within a few miles of the coastline.

Species Role in Ecosystem

By controlling sea urchin populations, sea otters assist in preserving and restoring the health of kelp forests, which are homes and breeding grounds for a variety of supporting species.  This can lead to a cascading effect, benefiting multiple species within the Sea Otter's ecosystem.

Cause of Decline

Hunting

Intense hunting for the Sea Otter's fur has lead to significant population declines.

Water Pollution

Urban runoff, agriculture and industrial industries have contributed to coastal contamination that, when exposed to the Southern Sea Otter, has lead to the decline and reproductive success of the species.

Fishing Interactions

Southern Sea Otters often get entangled in fishing gear, such as fishing nets and lines which has often lead to injury and death of the creature.  Competing with large commercial fishing activities for their food may reduce their prey availability.

Why Should We Care?

The Southern Sea Otter is the "sole protector" of the kelp forests located on the west coast in the U.S., and the absence of the species would disrupt this ecosystem entirely.  Removing this species from the food chain would cause its' ecosystem to become unbalanced and disrupt countless other species that rely on kelp forests for survival through shelter, food, and breeding grounds.

Current Conservation Efforts

Current conservation efforts for the Southern Sea Otter strive to protect and recover their populations and habitats. Here are some of the key conservation efforts in place:

Legal Protection

Laws such as the Endangered Species Act and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are legal protections that prohibit hunting, trading, and any level of harassment of the species.

Habitat Conservation

The Southern Sea Otter's habitats, coastlines and kelp forests, are protected as marine protected areas (MPAs) and restricts certain activity to reduce disturbances and promise the preservation of the species' habitats.

Ongoing Research

Researchers are continuously tracking population trends, monitoring prey availability, and assessing the impact of human activities on sea otters.

Geographers, Geospatial tools, and Geography

Geographers often utilize tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and remote sensing, to map and analyze the habitats of endangered species such as the Southern Sea Otter.  Additionally, they contribute to the development of plans and management strategies to identify the most critical areas of the species for biodiversity conservation, not limited to human impact, urbanization, infrastructure development and climate change.

How Can You Help?

  1. Donate to reputable conservation organizations that focus on protecting Southern Sea Otters and their habitats, such as The Coastal Conservancy.
  2. Volunteer for Conservation Initiative for local organizations involved in Sea Otter conservation.  This includes beach cleanups or even research and monitoring efforts.  Hands-on volunteering efforts help raise awareness about the importance of this species.
  3. Supporting and taking part of sustainable fishing practices by choosing seafood that is sourced responsibility indirectly helps with the Southern Sea Otters species and their ecosystem.  Look out for seafood certification programs like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to guide your choices.
  4. Reduce plastic use and pollution.  Plastic pollution poses a threat to all marine life, including the Southern Sea Otter.  Reducing your plastic consumption by using reusable bags and bottles while properly disposing of such prevents them from making their way into the ocean where this magnificent creature resides. 
  5. Be responsible on the water if you are a boater or fisherman.  Maintain a safe distance from Sea Otters while following regulations and guidelines while on the water.

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