Sea otters are one of the most beloved animals on earth, known best for their adorable faces and playful personalities. But these affable aquatic mammals are more than just cute attractions for boaters and beachgoers– they play a vital role in the health and balance of our ocean ecosystems.
Our oceans are under threat. Generations of Oregonians have grown up without seeing sea otters off our coast, because they were hunted nearly to extinction more than 100 years ago. That’s a big loss for Oregon and a disaster for our Ocean.
Without otters around to keep them in check, purple sea urchin populations have exploded in recent years, mowing down critical kelp forests and devastating our coastal environments. Without kelp, many fish and sea creatures are left without shelter, habitat, or their primary food source, and our ability to fight climate change is hindered.
In 2022, the US Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that reintroducing sea otters to the Oregon coast was possible, and we need to bring them back to bring our ecosystem back into balance.
The solution to all this is simple – it’s time to reintroduce sea otters to the Oregon coast. By reintroducing this keystone species, we could get purple sea urchin populations under control, help restore kelp forests and protect the beauty and abundance of Oregon’s ocean.