Animal experts bottlefeed the pups, then wean them on a diet of fish before they are released. The most significant threat to sea otters is oil spills. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Increasing the size and the range of sea otter populations will also reduce the effects of catastrophic oil spills. Sea Otters . [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. Other threats to sea otters are well-known. Otter Hunting The concept of Otter hunting is one that dates back to the 1700’s according to … The sea otter's range is currently discontinuous. 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. 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. 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? 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. Join the Seattle Aquarium for the largest meeting of sea otter biologists in the world at our Sea Otter Conservation Workshop. A sanctuary was created in Amchitka Island, whose sea otter population grew to outstrip its supply of prey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program is renowned for its success at rescuing orphan pups and releasing them back into the wild.Just last week, Monterey celebrated the news that two female sea otters raised as stranded pups by surrogate mothers at the aquarium have each given birth in the wild to their second set of pups. [38] The parasite, which is often fatal to sea otters, is carried by wild and domestic cats. However, due to their elusive nature, live-monitoring is extremely difficult. [18] Also, populations have declined in areas of open water frequented by orcas, but not in nearby lagoons where orcas are absent. Sea otter pups begin to learn to swim at around 4 weeks old. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. Gwaii Haanas lies about 100 kilometres off the northern British Columbia coast. 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. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. Another endangered sea otter species is known as the european otter, also known as eurasian river otter, common otter, and old world otter. Washington, now only stretches from Southern California to just north of Half Moon Bay,California. 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. [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. [32], In one study, 42 percent of live sea otters surveyed had antibodies to the T. gondii parasite, an almost certain sign of infection. This organization links together government agencies, non-government agencies, and independent states to encourage a worldwide approach to conservation. VanBlaricom, p. 53. 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 … After the years of the Great Hunt, the population in these areas, currently part of Russia, was only 750. 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