Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have webbed feet, dense fur to keep them warm, and can close their ears and nose when underwater. [32] Its average growth rate between 1914 and 1984 was only 5%, and fluctuated or declined in the late 1990s. They established a healthy population, estimated to be over 3,000 as of 2004, and their range is now from Tofino to Cape Scott. We should care about the sea otter because it has intrinsic … Determine and review on a continuing basis the status and needs of otters, and promote the implementation of necessary research, conservation and management programmes by appropriate individuals, organisations and governments. House Cats", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sea_otter_conservation&oldid=993381835, All articles with vague or ambiguous time, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 10 December 2020, at 09:03. [14] By the mid-1960s, Amchitka Island was being used a site for nuclear testing, which eventually killed many sea otters in the area. A dead Sea Otter due to oil affecting its fur from the Exxon Valdez oil spill from NOAA. This species of sea otter can grow and reach the number of 95 cm in length for its body and 35 cm in length for its tail. Friends of the Sea Otter is committed to and advocates for the conservation of sea otters and the preservation of their habitat through education, research, and policy decisions that will ensure the long-term survival of this species. In the 1980s, the area was home to an estimated 55,000 to 100,000 sea otters, but the population fell to around 6,000 animals by 2000. It has a genetic lineage that is all its own and this information is both interesting and informative for phylogenetic research and assignment. [15] It is not known if they died or moved away. Scientists removed the oil from the otters' fur with dishwashing detergent. [13] Growth has slowed slightly, suggesting that the numbers are reaching carrying capacity. The sea otter matters, partly because it is unique, like any organism. [31] With conservation efforts, including the crucial pioneering of Monterey marine protected area by Julia Platt and Margaret Wentworth Owings and the Friends of the Sea Otter organization, this group has since grown and expanded its range. [36], The causes of the recent difficulties for California's sea otters are not well understood. Specifically, sea otters control sea urchin populations, which would otherwise inflict extensive damage to the kelp forest ecosystems that provide crucial habitat and food for other marine organisms and help contain coastal erosion. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), some rescued California sea otters are being monitored in long-term studies in zoological parks such as SeaWorld San Diego. [34], The expansion of the sea otter population brought it into conflict with shellfish fisheries. As the birth rate in California is comparable to rates in other, rapidly growing sea otter populations, the decline is attributed to high rates of mortality. November 15, 2001. Now a protected species, California’s sea otters have grown from a group of 50 in 1938 to about 2,800 today. With up to one million hairs per square inch of skin, this species has the densest fur of any mammal . The California population, thought to be extinct in 1920, has grown to its current figure of about 2,800 (USFWS 2004). The evidence in support of this explanation is circumstantial: It is unlikely that the otters have been dying from disease or starvation, as few bodies of sick or emaciated otters have been recovered. IOSF is therefore working to provide a series of workshops to train more people from the region in otter field techniques, public awareness programmes, law enforcement and general conservation issues. The conservation and management of sea otters has benefited from a dedicated research effort over the past 60 years enabling this species to recover from a few thousand in the early 20th century to about 150,000 today. What was historically a vast population now numbers just over 3000 as of 2006 census. Living at the top of the aquatic food chain, the otter is a key indicator of the health of aquatic systems. At the request of the U.S. It has the thickest fur in the animal kingdom. Beginning in the 1960s, efforts to translocate sea otters to previously populated areas were also successful in restoring sea otters to other parts of the west coast of North America. The biggest concentrations of sea otters can be found in the waters surrounding Alaska. The sea otter was once abundant in a wide arc across the North Pacific ocean, from northern Japan to Alaska to Mexico. [8] The state has listed the sea otter as an endangered species since 1981. Sea otters have been protected by the International Fur Seal Treaty since 1911. After about eight months staying alongside their mothers, pups are weaned and on their own. [9][10] The sea otter population within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is estimated to be more than 1,200. The cause of the decline is not known, although the observed pattern of disappearances is consistent with a rise in orca predation. The otters then required a long rehabilitation period to regain the natural oils that protect their fur and to build up an insulating layer of air. Unfortunately, If you come across a sea otter you think is sick, injured or abandoned, please give it space and call The Marine Mammal Center’s stranding hotline at (415) 289-7325. A sea otter relies on its fur to keep warm because it doesn't have an insulating layer of blubber as other marine mammals do. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Sea Otter Viewing Tips Here are some viewing tips to help you enjoy watching sea otters and other marine wildlife in … [12], Before the 19th century there were around 20,000 to 25,000 sea otters in the Kuril Islands, with more on Kamchatka and the Commander Islands. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4 m in length. These introduction efforts have met with some success. Sea Otter Conservation brings together the vast knowledge of well-respected leaders in the field, offering insight into the more than 100 years of conservation and … The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. The orcas that prefer marine mammal prey usually attack seals, sea lions, and small cetaceans, and have occasionally been seen preying on gray whale calves. Sea otters are a keystone species, meaning their role in their environment has a greater effect than other species. Today, the return of this keystone species is a living reminder of what restoration, conservation and compassion for non-human species can achieve. Sea otters are a social species—females and their pups are often observed spending time together in one group and males in another. The neotropical, southern, marine, giant, and California sea otters, as well as some subspecies of Eurasian otters and A.c. microdon, are listed on CITES Appen… Gwaii Haanas lies about 100 kilometres off the northern British Columbia coast. All other otter species and subspecies are listed on Appendix II, in which the species is identified as threatened. The final chapter summarises the actions that need to be taken to conserve all species of otters worldwide for the long-term future. So are we! Conservation Status . [34] Disease is believed to be a leading cause, and other possible mortality factors include water contamination and drowning in fishing nets. [32], In one study, 42 percent of live sea otters surveyed had antibodies to the T. gondii parasite, an almost certain sign of infection. CITES Appendix I lists species identified as endangered. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg (31 and 99 lb), making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. Fish and Wildlife Service attempted to manage the competition between sea otters and fishermen by creating an "otter-free zone" from Point Conception to the U.S.-Mexico border. Reintroductions of wild-caught sea otters to southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington have been successful, although efforts to reintroduce California sea otters to the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California were not as successful. Sea Otter Conservation brings together the vast knowledge of well-respected leaders in the field, offering insight into the more than 100 years of conservation and research that have resulted in recovery from near extinction. Sea Otter pelts were highly prized because they are soft and thick; sea otters have the thickest fur of any animal. The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects sea otters. Enhydra lutris, also known by its common name of Sea Otters, are The unique opportunity to observe and learn directly from live animals increases public awareness and appreciation of wildlife. In two important parts of its range, however, sea otter populations have recently declined or have plateaued at depressed levels. [37], Although the bodies of dead sea otters often sink at sea, necropsies of beached carcasses provide some insights into the causes of mortality. [17], In recent decades, the sea otter population the Aleutian Islands of western Alaska has plummeted. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. The MMPA, with certain limited exemptions, makes it illegal to hunt, harm, or harass any marine mammal in U.S. waters. The neotropical, southern, marine, giant, and California sea otters, as well as some subspecies of Eurasian otters and A.c. microdon, are listed on CITES Appendix I. [5] The liver, kidneys, and lungs of sea otters also become damaged after they inhale oil or ingest it when grooming.[5]. [27] However, the First Nations people in the area had not been consulted before the relocations took place. For the last 40 years, southern sea otters have been listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act with the population estimated at just a few thousand. For the last 40 years, southern sea otters have been listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act with the population estimated at just a few thousand. It prohibits commercial harvest of sea otters, and allows Alaska natives to hunt sea otters for subsistence and creation of handicrafts. Hunting nearly wiped out the entire population by the early 1900s. [19], The March 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill devastated the sea otter population in Prince William Sound. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. Description and ecological characteristics. The IUCN describes the significant threats to sea otters as oil pollution, predation by orcas, poaching, and conflicts with fisheries. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Commentary: Cute otters and pangolins get saved but are ugly animals a lost conservation cause? Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. After the years of the Great Hunt, the population in these areas, currently part of Russia, was only 750. Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) Populations in some areas are now thriving, and the recovery of the sea otter is considered one of the greatest successes in marine conservation.[1]. The small geographic ranges of the sea otter populations in California, Washington, and British Columbia mean that a single major spill could be catastrophic for that state or province. Washington, now only stretches from Southern California to just north of Half Moon Bay,California. Beginning in the 1980s, the U.S. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. It has only recently begun to reappear in Mexico and northern Japan. North American river otters (L. canadensis) are still taken as part of the commercial fur trade, but the primary threats to others are the destruction of wetland habitats and pollution. This publication assesses the issues influencing prospects for continued conservation and recovery of the sea otter populations and provides insight into how to handle future global changes. In this zone, only San Nicolas Island was designated as sea otter habitat, and sea otters found elsewhere in the area were supposed to be captured and relocated. © 2021 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) is administered by the U.S. As top predators, sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp forests, embayments and estuaries. Join the Seattle Aquarium for the largest meeting of sea otter biologists in the world at our Sea Otter Conservation Workshop. A survey taken in the spring of 2007 counted a little over 3,000 sea otters in California, up slightly from previous years but down from an estimated pre-fur trade population of 16,000. Otter - Otter - Conservation and classification: Nearly all species of otters face increasing threat as urbanization and logging continue. By the early 1900’s, every single sea otter had been hunted along the BC coast, not a single individual survived the brutality and greed of the fur trade. North American river otters (L. canadensis) are still taken as part of the commercial fur trade, but the primary threats to others are the destruction of wetland habitats and pollution. 1. Although the translocated sea otters improved the general health of the ecosystem, they depleted shellfish and sea urchins that local indigenous communities had come to reply upon, and many in these communities came to regret the return of the otters. Although it is clear that disease has contributed to the deaths of many of California's sea otters, it is not known why the California population would be more vulnerable to disease than populations in other areas. Of these, 195 were successfully rehabilitated and released. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. Managers, governments and conservation groups will need to work together to avoid disproportionate economic loses in small communities and for Indigenous peoples and to mitigate potential conflicts between humans and sea otters that can result in illegal sea otter killings. [5] Sea otters are particularly vulnerable, as they rely on their fur to keep warm. The effort saved about 200 of the 350 rescued sea otters, although many later died after being released. Fish and Wildlife Service received a tip that a man docking his boat in Moss Landing, California, shot at a mother sea otter with a pellet gun. About 360 sea otters were rescued and treated at nearby rehabilitation facilities. Sea otter numbers have declined in southwestern Alaska over the past 20 years. This has been made possible by legal protection — in 1977 sea otters became protected under the Endangered Species Act — and by the work of nongovernmental organizations to support … SeaWorld Orlando occasionally rescues orphaned North American river otter pups. The otter Lutra lutra is a semi-aquatic mammal, which occurs in a wide range of ecological conditions, including inland freshwater and coastal areas (particularly in Scotland). Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. So far as otters are concerned organisations such as the Environment Agency, particularly its branch that was previously known as the National Rivers Authority and the Vincent Wildlife Trust Otter … [20] The theory that orca predation has been responsible for these declines remains controversial, and so far there has been no direct evidence that orcas prey on sea otters to any significant extent. [11] The at the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary is over 500. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Sea otters first became protected from the fur trade by the International Fur Seal Treaty in 1911, after the population had decreased to about 2,000 as a result of unrestrained hunting for furs. "Sea Otters." [32] Unusually high mortality rates amongst adult and young adult otters, particularly females, have been reported. [8] Attempts were made to move 93 sea otters to the Oregon coast in the 1970s, however none have been seen since the early 1980s. [4] They can also be stressed by well-meaning human watchers who approach too closely. It has been proposed that a low level of genetic variation of the population, due to its history of population bottlenecks, may be a contributing factor. [38] The parasite, which is often fatal to sea otters, is carried by wild and domestic cats. The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. ... Their conservation in Singapore is an international success and a national pride. This species of sea otter can grow and reach the number of 95 cm in length for its body and 35 cm in length for its tail. Otters are highly charismatic and popular animals of very considerable concern to conservationists worldwide. Changes in water temperatures due to climate change is a predominate theory. Sea Otter Conservation. The committee's assessment reflects the ongoing strength of the B.C. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. However, conservation of the sea otter is complicated by the fact that some of its preferred prey species, such as some species of abalone, crabs, and clams, are also eaten by humans. A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. IUCN/The World Conservation Union lists the marine, giant, southern river, and sea otters are listed as "endangered" (species has a very high risk of extinction). Of these, about 19,000 are in the Kurils, 2000 to 3500 on Kamchatka and another 5000 to 5500 on the Commander Islands. A 2006 report from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council named the sea otter as one of several species still being affected by the lingering oil in the area. In August 2005, the "southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment" of the sea otter was listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. Their conservation legacy is truly remarkable. There have however been a incidences of otters living for 8-12 years, although very few survive that long. Article submitted by Brandi Katz, Sea Otter Research and Conservation Volunteer Coordinator This September marked the end of the three year Elkhorn Slough Sea Otter Field Project . By 1911, hunting for the animal's luxurious fur had reduced the sea otter population to fewer than 2000 individuals in the most remote and inaccessible parts of its range. Gwaii Haanas lies about 100 kilometres off the northern British Columbia coast. [6][7][8] Prevention of oil spills, and preparation for rescue of otters in the event of one, are major areas of focus for conservation efforts. SeaWorld parks rescue and rehabilitate orphaned, ill, and injured otters. Are you wild about whales? The region's population of large whales was decimated by commercial whaling in the 1960s. During the 20th century, sea otter populations recovered from remnant populations in the far east of Russia, western Alaska, and California. Sea Otter Conservation Workshop XI Seattle Aquarium March 29-31, 2019 By Gena Bentall The biennial Sea Otter Conservation Workshop, hosted by the Seattle Aquarium, has become the hottest scene for biologists, zookeepers and aquarists, advocates, and government specialists working with or interested in sea … Using existing studies and modeling of sea otter growth, the researchers concluded that the San Francisco Bay could support about 6,600 sea otters, more than twice the current estimated population of 3,000. [3] The southern sea otter which range historically spanned from Baja, California all the way up to the shorelines of Oregon and No single threat is solely responsible for the sea otter’s slow recovery from near-extinction during the fur trade. More and more, however, the issues associated with sea otter conservation have merged into broader environmental concerns, such as ecosystem-wide changes in food sources and issues including climate change, ocean noise and coastal pollution. CITES is an international treaty, developed in 1973, to regulate trade in certain wildlife species. The fact that sea otters uphold the health and balance in kelp forests has generated support for conservation efforts, but the reintroduction of the invertebrate predators has also caused some friction with fishermen and coastal communities dependent on the species sea otters eat. [21] However, recovery has been slow in comparison to sea otter populations elsewhere, and also in comparison to sympatric marine mammal species such as California sea lions and harbor seals. [25] A little over a year later, the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit arguing that the U.S. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world's leading otter charities. Sea otters can do well in captivity, and are featured in over 40 public aquaria and zoos. Modern efforts in sea otter conservation began in the early 20th century, when the sea otter was nearly extinct due to large-scale commercial hunting. The primary objective of the MMPA is to maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem and to obtain and maintain an optimum sustainable population of marine mammals. Sea otters were hunted nearly to extinction in the late 1700s and 1800s through commercial harvest for … A sanctuary was created in Amchitka Island, whose sea otter population grew to outstrip its supply of prey. The UK Wild Otter Trust is dedicated to promoting a positive understanding of the Otter & Otter conservation in all areas, raise the awareness through education, involvement & … Over 1,000 oiled sea otter carcasses were recovered,[21] with the actual number of deaths estimated to be several times that number. Sea Otter Conservation brings together the vast knowledge of well-respected leaders in the field, offering insight into the more than 100 years of conservation and research that have resulted in recovery from near extinction. [23] Each otter was tranquilized and thoroughly washed and dried. Scientists from the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), in cooperation with other facilities and volunteers, coordinated efforts to rescue and treat sea otters affected by the 1989 oil spill. It is not known if this colony, which had a size of about 300 animals in 2004, was founded by translocated otters or by survivors of the fur trade. [34] For the subspecies to be delisted from the list of threatened species, the count must average 3,090 or more over three years. Current IUCN Conservation Status of Sea Otters|Conservation Evidence|NOAA UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre: Sea Otters|Check the Seafood Watch List for this species Two hundred years ago, a million sea otters may have ranged along the 9,650km of Pacific coastline from northern Japan, through the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, down the coast of California to Baja Mexico. The Congo clawless, neotropical, and hairy-nosed otters are listed as "data deficient" (not enough data are available to determine the species' risk of extinction). Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otter's primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the densest in the animal kingdom. [28], In 1989, a separate colony was discovered in the central B.C. Sea Otters are also known as “indicators,” this title means that the species' health and condition can help to show how healthy the ecosystems are doing (Shimek, Cauldwell 1998). With conservation efforts, California's sea otter population has slowly grown to around 3,000. While population numbers of the northern sea otter located in this region have still declined, the population hasn't been affected nearly as drastically as southern sea otters. Since then, most commercial hunting of the species has been banned, although a limited amount of hunting by indigenous peoples has been permitted. It is absent from about a third of its former range, including all of Oregon and northern California. In particular, sea otters are highly vulnerable to oil spills, and a major spill can rapidly kill thousands of the animals. Those which had swallowed a lot of oil were treated with activated charcoal. (Photo: N. Guujaaw/ Gwaii Haanas) The return of the sea otter By 1911, hunting for the animal's luxurious fur had reduced the sea otter population to fewer than 2000 individuals in the most remote and inaccessible parts of its range. Sea otters can drown if entangled in fishing gear. Crazy about roller coasters? Taken with tigers? Natural oils in a sea otter's fur repel water and trap tiny air bubbles, providing a layer of warm air between the otter's skin and the harsh elements of its environment. Although it can walk on land, the sea otter is capable of living exclusively in the oce… The sea otter matters, partly because it is unique, like any organism. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. [29] In April 2007, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada changed its assessment of the sea otter from "threatened" to "special concern". Perspectives on sea otter conservation and management vary among First Nations, as they do among non-native people and even government agencies. Sea otter pups begin to learn to swim at around 4 weeks old. Sea otter population growth has stalled in recent years and many hurdles for full population recovery remain. The most significant threat to sea otters is oil spills. The smooth-coated otter is listed as "vulnerable" (has a high risk of extinction), and the Eurasian and Asian small-clawed otters as "near threatened" (has a potential future risk of extinction). [27] The sea otter is considered a threatened species in Canada and is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Sea Otter Conservation brings together the vast knowledge of well-respected leaders in the field, offering insight into the more than 100 years of conservation and research that have resulted in recovery from near extinction. [13] As of 2004, sea otters have repopulated all of their former habitat in these areas, with an estimated total population of about 27,000. [18] One controversial hypothesis is that orcas have been eating the otters. Infection, particularly Toxoplasma gondii encephalitis, was often present in otters that had died of cardiac disease, suggesting that infection may have contributed to the onset of cardiac disease. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, "Final Washington State Sea Otter Recovery Plan", "National Marine Sanctuary Frequently Asked Questions", Ecoscenario: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, City of Monterey | Harbor | Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary History, Population dynamics and present status of sea otters (, "Aleutian Sea Otter population falls 70% in eight years", "Lacking a decent meal, killer whales reach for the popcorn", "Sea Otters – Southwest Alaska Sea Otter Recovery Team (SWAKSORT)", "Lawsuit Seeks to Sheild (sic) Alaska Sea Otter", "British Columbia: Sea Otter Research Expedition", "Aquatic Species at Risk - Species Profile - Sea Otter", "California otters rebound, but remain at risk", "Sea otter shooting in Moss Landing investigated by feds", National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, "What's Killing California's Sea Otters? 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