By Jenny Campbell
Species: Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra Lutris Nereis)
Population Size: 2944 (2014)
Status: Threatened
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Where can I find a southern sea otter?
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What is the scope of southern sea otter depletion?
Southern sea otters meet the qualifications of a "threatened species" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. According to their recovery plan, the species is considered "threatened" if there are between 1850 and 3090 animals. Their cousin subspecies, the northern sea otter, is also threatened but has yet to have a completed recovery plan.
Although the species is 150 animals away from being "delisted", the lower limit of a sustainable population for the southern sea otter is approximately 8,400 individuals. This means that the population of southern sea otters is about a third of where it should be to thrive for future generations. As discussed below, the southern sea otter recovery plan aims to modify human behavior rather than modifying the behavior of the animal itself.
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| Bruce Lichenberger, National Geographic |
What are the major threats to sea otters?
Infectious Disease
Infectious disease is linked to 40 percent of sea otter mortality and can be attributed to human activity. It has been shown that agricultural runoff and elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorous contribute to rising levels of parasites, bacteria and fungi in the ocean. A devastating consequence of this is the growth of toxic algal blooms. These blooms produce a toxin that can cause liver disease, giving sea otters little chance for survival. As of 2012, only 3% of Californian wastewater facilities had nitrogen and phosphorous discharge limits.
Recovery Initiative: Determine the sources of contaminants and implement actions to reduce them.
Status: Unknown
Oil Spills
The recent spill in Santa Barbara County exemplifies the impact petroleum exploration and extraction can have on local ocean ecology, which unfortunately includes sea otters. Most oiled sea otters cannot be saved, as the stress of saving an oiled otter often can cause more damage than the oil itself.
Recovery Initiative: Implement an oil spill contingency plan and improve sea otter recovery techniques
Status: Ongoing
Commercial Fishing
"Bycatch" is used to describe the unintentional capture of a species while catching a different, targeted species. Commercial fishing often results in bycatch. Fortunately, California has recently imposed a variety of fishing restrictions which will virtually eliminate sea otter death due to commercial fishing.
Recovery Initiative: Evaluate current fishing regulations and impose more affective restrictions on fisheries.
Status: Complete
Shark Attacks
While sharks don't actually consume the sea otters, they have a tendency to nip them out of curiosity. Most sea otters die after being bitten by sharks.
Recovery Initiative: None! This is completely natural!
Status: N/A
What can I do to help?
California Sea Otter Fund: The California Sea Otter Fund was established in 2006 to aid the recovery of southern sea otters that has been estimated to cost over $10 million. By checking a box on your CA tax return, you can contribute to the research, education and action required to save the southern sea otter population.
Take Care of Your Stuff:
It doesn't take a huge oil spill to hurt the ecology of coastal habitats. Always take preventative action by inspecting your equipment for deterioration and leaks. Monitor your boat engine for rusty bolts and regularly check the exhaust elbow. Taking care of your equipment is a simple way to save money and prevent runoff and water pollution.
Want more information?
Sources Used in this Blog
Take Action
Oil Spills
The recent spill in Santa Barbara County exemplifies the impact petroleum exploration and extraction can have on local ocean ecology, which unfortunately includes sea otters. Most oiled sea otters cannot be saved, as the stress of saving an oiled otter often can cause more damage than the oil itself.
Recovery Initiative: Implement an oil spill contingency plan and improve sea otter recovery techniques
Status: Ongoing
Commercial Fishing
"Bycatch" is used to describe the unintentional capture of a species while catching a different, targeted species. Commercial fishing often results in bycatch. Fortunately, California has recently imposed a variety of fishing restrictions which will virtually eliminate sea otter death due to commercial fishing.
Recovery Initiative: Evaluate current fishing regulations and impose more affective restrictions on fisheries.
Status: Complete
Shark Attacks
While sharks don't actually consume the sea otters, they have a tendency to nip them out of curiosity. Most sea otters die after being bitten by sharks.
Recovery Initiative: None! This is completely natural!
Status: N/A
What can I do to help?
California Sea Otter Fund: The California Sea Otter Fund was established in 2006 to aid the recovery of southern sea otters that has been estimated to cost over $10 million. By checking a box on your CA tax return, you can contribute to the research, education and action required to save the southern sea otter population.
Take Care of Your Stuff:
It doesn't take a huge oil spill to hurt the ecology of coastal habitats. Always take preventative action by inspecting your equipment for deterioration and leaks. Monitor your boat engine for rusty bolts and regularly check the exhaust elbow. Taking care of your equipment is a simple way to save money and prevent runoff and water pollution.
Want more information?
Sources Used in this Blog
- Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan: http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/030403.pdf
- Sea Otter Information: www.seaotters.com
- Defenders of Wildlife Blog: www.defendersblog.org
- Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov
Take Action
- California Sea Otter Fund: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Tax-Donation
- How to Minimize Your Impact: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/whatudo.cfm
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