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For Immediate Release
New Report Finds an Expanded Sea Otter Population Could Generate Millions in Tourism Dollars for California's Economy
MONTEREY, CA – An expanded southern sea otter population would provide millions of dollars in annual economic benefits to California, according to a new report commissioned and released today by Defenders of Wildlife. The report, written by economist Dr. John Loomis, reveals that an expansion of the sea otter population south of Point Conception would result in significant benefits to Santa Barbara and Ventura counties from an increase in tourism, recreation-related incomes and jobs. The area's environment would also improve by way of a healthier coastal ecosystem.
"Today's report shows that species conservation can go hand-in-hand with economic development. An expanded southern sea otter population could generate millions of dollars for parts of California's economy," stated Dr. Frank Casey, Director of Conservation Economics for Defenders of Wildlife.
In addition to providing economic benefits to California's coastal region, sea otters play a vital role in maintaining the kelp forests off California's shores, which in turn help the coastal ecosystem. Kelp forests reduce shoreline erosion, serve as nurseries for juvenile fish, and provide excellent habitat for mussels, clams and other local marine species. Kelp forests also provide a natural defense against foreign plants and animals that move in and destroy coastal ecosystems when kelp beds are depleted or destroyed.
The study used a variety of accepted economic tools, including California statistical models of tourism, to reach its conclusions.
"Defenders of Wildlife strongly believes decisions regarding endangered species should not rest on economic factors alone, but understanding the economic benefits can help balance the debate over whether the southern sea otter range should expand into historically occupied habitat in southern California," added Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate with Defenders of Wildlife. "In the past, the discussion regarding the impact of sea otter recovery on our economy has been cast as a potential cost to some local fisheries, such as sea urchins. This report simply shows that despite these costs, sea otter recovery can result in significant economic benefits."
"Sea otters are a great Endangered Species Act success story and a symbol of California's vibrant coastal wildlife heritage." Curland added, "If their populations are allowed to continue to expand, the day will come when these magnificent and playful animals no longer need the Act's protections to survive and thrive."
The report, "Economic Benefits of Expanding California's Southern Sea Otter Populations," was prepared by Dr. John Loomis, a natural resources economist from Colorado State University, whose research and writing on the economic impacts of species conservation is nationally recognized.
The report can be found at here.
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 490,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.
