Category: research

Our 2023 funding awardees are working hard for sea otters

Every year we issue funding awards to programs and projects benefitting sea otters to ensure their recovery.  So far, our 2023 recipients have had a productive year and their work continues into the fall. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium We are excited to announce that the new state-of-the-art aquarium facility at Kansas City Zoo featuring sea otters opened on September 1.  Sea Otter Foundation & Trust’s grant made significant contributions to relocating the sea otters to Kansas as well as provided funding to purchase…

raft of sea otters, group of sea otters

Why Sea Otters Are So Important to Their Ocean Habitat: The Role of Sea Otters in Ecosystem Balance

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…

Explore the efforts of our 2022 Grant Recipients

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…