Conservation

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are an essential component of marine ecosystems, yet they face numerous threats from environmental and human-induced changes. As their populations struggle to rebound in various regions, sea otter rehabilitation programs have become crucial to their survival. In this article, we’ll explain how these programs play a pivotal role in conservation efforts and highlight some of the different kinds of work they do.

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of their marine ecosystems. As a keystone species, their well-being is an indicator of the overall health of their habitat. In recent years, innovative technologies have revolutionized the field of sea otter research and monitoring, providing invaluable insights into their behavior, health, and population dynamics.

Sea Otter Foundation & Trust funding grants have impacted sea otter recovery, conservation, and education for several years.  The following sea otter research and conservation projects have been funded for 2024 and they will have significant impacts on shaping sea otter recovery and conservation.

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) have fascinated humans for centuries. Known for their playful behavior and significant ecological impact, these marine mammals offer a unique lens through which to view both natural history and human interaction with the environment. This in-depth look at the history of sea otters will explore their ecological importance, the dramatic fluctuations in their populations, and the ongoing efforts to ensure their survival.

The current sea otter population crisis is a multifaceted environmental issue that demands a comprehensive understanding of its causes, effects, and the solutions being implemented. In this article, we’ll provide an important analysis that delves deeper into the factors impacting these crucial marine mammals and the global efforts to safeguard their future.

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.

Read about our 2022 grant recipient efforts.

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.

The Seattle Aquarium was successfully awarded a funding grant to purchase a remotely operated vehicle, ROV and its accompanying equipment, during the 2020 grant cycle. We are proud and excited to have assisted them in the initial stages of this research to investigate the possibility that sea otters can assist the resilience of marine ecosystems, especially those along the outer coast of Washington.

n preparation for Sea Otter Awareness Week, sea otter enthusiast, Cory Dalton, offered to share his reasons for being so fascinated with the genus Enhydra, including all three subspecies of sea otter that exist today. Cory shares his thoughts concerning their uniqueness in the animal kingdom, their importance within ocean ecology and shares several excerpts from his favorite authors who know and have experienced these animals up close. For things that are more subjective, he emphasizes when things are only his opinion.