Ensuring the survival of sea otters in their habitats
Sea otters — with their playful demeanor and iconic appearance — are more than just adorable creatures. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ocean habitat, making them indispensable to the ecosystem. This article explores the sea otter habitat, the importance of sea otters, and the role of sea otters in the ecosystem. The Sea Otter Habitat The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean and has…
Oregon State University Master’s student Laura Geissinger is investigating sea otter foraging behavior along Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Geissinger is specifically examining whether razor clams are part of the sea otter diet in that locale. Because there is a decline in razor clam population in this region, this study is set to determine if sea otters are adding to the decrease. If sea otters are contributing to the razor clam decline, there could be a human-sea otter conflict, which could have future implications for the…
Seattle Aquarium Led by Dr. Zachary Randell and Dr. Shawn Larson, the Seattle Aquarium is beginning a long-term research and monitoring program to investigate the resilience of Washington’s nearshore marine ecosystems. More specifically, they’re looking into whether sea otters help stabilize those ecosystems during climate change-related disturbances. Sea otters, being a keystone species, have long been studied for their beneficial effects on kelp forests, promoting biodiverse and healthy coastal ecosystems. While the possibility of sea otters having an even greater impact during climate change…