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Sea Otter

The charismatic sea otter is one of the most well-known marine mammals today. But these animals are much more than just a cute face — they play a critical role in keeping kelp forest ecosystems healthy along the Pacific Coast.

 

Although they are the largest members of the weasel family, sea otters are relatively small for marine mammals, capable of growing nearly 1.2 meters (5 feet) long and weighing almost 45 kilograms (100 pounds). Unlike most marine mammals, they lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them from the cold ocean waters of the north Pacific Ocean. Instead, they develop an extremely thick fur coat — the densest of all animals — to keep warm.  

Sea otters feed almost exclusively on marine invertebrates such as sea urchins, clams, mussels, and crabs.  Since shelled prey like this can be difficult to eat, sea otters have devised a special way to break open their meal. Otters will dive down to collect a rock which they strike their prey with repeatedly until it opens.  Their special taste for sea urchins means that sea otters serve an important ecosystem role in regulating sea urchin populations and preventing overgrazing on giant kelp. This in turn helps kelp forests flourish, making sea otters a “keystone species” in the ecosystems where they live.  

 

 

The sea otter’s thick, insulated fur made them a major target of the fur trade in the 18th and 19th century and drove the species to near extinction. Though sea otters have gained legal protection throughout much of their range, today oil spills pose the greatest human-made threats to these creatures, as oil causes a sea otter’s fur to lose its insulation ability, leading to hypothermia. This threat, combined with effects of climate change and habitat loss, contributes to the sea otter’s endangered status. 

 

 

Oceana’s campaigns help protect these incredible animals from the threat of dirty offshore drilling and potential oil spills. We are also working to safeguard ocean habitat, including coastal habitat, that they and so many other creatures call home.

 

 

 

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