Research

Each September, Sea Otter Awareness Week shines a spotlight on one of the ocean’s most charismatic and essential species. With their playful nature and endearing faces, sea otters are easy to love, but their importance goes far beyond appearances. As a keystone species, they play a critical role in maintaining healthy kelp forests and marine biodiversity.

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris), known for their playful demeanor and remarkable ability to use tools, are far more than just beloved marine icons. These keystone predators help maintain the balance of kelp forest ecosystems, making their protection a priority for conservationists worldwide. Yet, a pervasive problem continues to threaten their future: microplastics in the ocean.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Proudly funding and working with these organizations and universities to bring about change for sea otters and sea otter habitat.