Sea otters, scientifically named Enhydra lutris, are best known as the “weasels of the sea.” These mammals were found in several different areas including Alaska, the Pacific Coast along California, and Japan. It has been estimated that there were 150,000 to 300,000 of them in the early 1700’s. These numbers remained fairly accurate and steady until Native Americans began harvesting them for food. The next major decline in the sea otter population occurred in the 18th century when the Russians began their exploration of Alaska. The otters’ dense hair made for perfect use of pelts to keep warm in the freezing temperatures. In turn, there was a stark decrease of this species in the area. The sea otters were said to have been extinct following the fur trade era. However, the discovery of a small population of them along California’s coast almost 200 years later proved that there were otters that were alive, well, and most importantly, reproducing (Otter Project). It is safe to say that the sea otter population has oscillated since they were first discovered. To this day, the otters rise and fall in numbers depending on the environment and the legal protections in the area.
The branch of sea otters extends to two subspecies found in the United States respective to the regions they inhabit; the Northern and Southern sea otters. The otters now inhabit a multitude of coastal states and countries including Japan, California, Oregon, Washington, Russia. However, they are most densely concentrated along the shores of Alaska. Given the fact that they are marine mammals, sea otters must live around bodies of shallow water to feed. Their food sources include fish, crabs, snails, and sea urchins. Behaviorally, they are quite unique. The otters can dive into waters and swim at great depths to scavenge for food. A key feature about this species is that they are highly intelligent; they are one of the few species that can use tools to access their food. For example, they are able to use small stones and twigs to pry open shells and other enclosed organisms. Sea otters reproduce year-round through polygamous, sexual reproduction. The alphas, or most fit males, of the population claim the females and disallow any of the weaker males in the populations to mate. The gestation period for this species ranges from six to eight months. Similar to humans, the norm is to give birth to one offspring at a time, although they are physically capable of carrying twins in the womb. A newborn sea otter is referred to as a “pup.” They are birthed in dens, where they must remain until they become physically developed. At the time of birth, otters are hairless, toothless, blind, and unable to fend for themselves. As they mature and are able to move on their own, they stay close to their mothers so they can learn basic survival skills. This relationship lasts for roughly six months before they can begin to live independently. These pups live, on average, for ten to twenty years, and grow to be thirty to one-hundred pounds depending on their sex.
Sea otters are known as a keystone species. This means they play an extremely important role in balancing some part of the environments they live in. In this case, sea otters manage the amount of kelp that remain on shores. They are near the top of the food chain in the ecosystem in which they live in. Their role is to eat water organisms which feed on kelp. If sea otters did not feed on the organisms, then the organisms would consume the kelp, which would in turn lead to diminished food sources for many other organisms also living in that ecosystem. Additionally, many species would experience lessened protection; it is common for some organisms use sea kelp as a form of shelter from prey aside from it only being a food source. Due to sea otters’ consumption of these organisms, they play a role in balancing the natural gases in the air. By disallowing other organisms to feed on the kelp, the levels of carbon dioxide remain balanced. If no kelp remained in these coastal areas, carbon dioxide gas would not as efficiently be absorbed and converted to oxygen through photosynthesis.
According to the sea otters’ protection status as published by Defenders.org, the otter populations in California, Alaska, and Canada (British Columbia), are all threatened and endangered due to a number of reasons. First, industrialization of coastal environments makes these ecosystems more prone to oil spills. In the event that otters get affected by these spills, it is nearly impossible for them to return to good health. The toxins on the shores and in waters cause organ damage due to the ingestion of the chemicals in very large and unhealthy amounts. Another deadly effect from these environmental disasters is the inability of the otters to clean their hair after it has been drenched in oils. Unlike other sea mammals, otters do not have layers of blubber which can keep them warm. Instead, they are equipped with dense hairs which cover their bodies. When hairs become saturated with oils and other chemicals, they eliminate insulation which is crucial to maintaining homeostatic body temperatures. Another reason for their endangerment is at the fault of fishing companies. Otters are seen as a competition for fishermen. In turn, some companies try to dislocate the otters from their habitats, or even worse, kill the populations so they can get optimal access to large fishing populations (seaotters.org). Fortunately, the otters are now fully protected under the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act in California. The law prohibits anyone from stealing animals out of their natural habitats for consumption, sales, or domestication purposes (NOAA Fisheries). Since their discovery, otters have been prone to endangerment due to human activities. From being hunted for their fur hundreds of years ago to now being driven out of their niches, humans have the ability to lead to complete extinction of this very important species. It is up to us to educate one another and take part in efforts to prevent this species for even more harm.