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Otters have long captivated the hearts of nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Their playful antics — combined with their sleek, agile bodies — make them a fascinating subject for study and observation. However, the difference between sea otters and river otters is often overlooked, leading to misconceptions and generalizations.

The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is more than just a cute face. This marine mammal plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health and diversity of marine ecosystems. From their unique behaviors to their threatened habitats, there’s a lot to learn and appreciate about these incredible creatures, and there’s no better time to do so than Sea Otter Awareness Week, which takes place during the last full week of September (September 24th-30th in 2023).

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.

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.

Recently, we connected with a class of 5th-graders from Clarkstown Central School District in New City, New York. The kids had been tasked by their teacher, Mrs. Kelley, to create a small business and they worked together to develop ideas. After brainstorming for a bit, Sugar Lemon was born to help raise money for endangered animals – sea otters being one of the animals to benefit.

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.

Of course, we all know sea otters are cute; and who hasn’t enjoyed the many online videos of their playful antics frolicking on the ocean waves, cracking open a clam with the help of a rock, or simply taking a much-deserved rest tied off in some kelp? But did you know that they play a vital role in the health of our oceans and, ultimately, the earth?