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For Immediate Release
• EarthEcho International • Defenders of Wildlife
Will sea otter conservation feel the economic squeeze?
California Sea Otter Tax Fund must raise five percent more funds than last year's minimum
Monterey Bay, Calif. – After this year of global financial turmoil, odds are that nobody is much looking forward to the looming income tax season – that is unless you’re a sea otter. Last year, Californians donated nearly $295,000 to sea otter conservation by simply checking the CA Sea Otter Fund donation box on their state income tax form.
“Through their generous contributions, Californians have shown just how committed they are to sea otter conservation,” said Jim Curland, marine program associate for Defenders of Wildlife. “During these hard economic times, it’s even more critical that this commitment continues in order to help sea otters recover in California.”
This year, a minimum of $262,500 in donations, an increase of five percent from 2008, must be pooled from the CA Sea Otter Fund donation box for it to remain on the state income tax form next year. No one is certain how the nation’s roiling financial markets will impact donor contributions. But those taxpayers who do choose to check the donation box – contributing a $1 or more – can make a big difference for sea otters.
“The sea otter is a California icon,” said Philippe Cousteau, a celebrated explorer and environmentalist, whose organization -- EarthEcho International -- works for ocean conservation. “By checking the sea otter donation box, California taxpayers can ensure that generations to come have the opportunity to enjoy these loveable creatures.”
The California Sea Otter Fund supports researchers and the state agencies that are working to understand and address the threats facing one of the Golden State’s most charismatic animals. Half the money raised by the fund goes to the California Coastal Conservancy for research and programs related to improving sea otter habitat, including efforts to reduce sea otter deaths. The remaining half goes to the California Department of Fish and Game for increased investigation, prevention and enforcement actions.
The California sea otter population is hobbling along on the road to recovery. An average over the last three years of spring population surveys shows only a slight population gain, leaving this small community (2,826 for the most recent three-year average) vulnerable to threats such as oil spills, disease, food limitations, entanglements with fishing gear and the loss or degradation of their ocean habitat.
Defenders of Wildlife is collaborating with EarthEcho International, the California Coastal Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game to raise awareness of this simple, yet significant conservation opportunity.
“We hope that more taxpayers will take advantage of this opportunity and will check the box to help sea otters,” said Curland.
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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.
EarthEcho International is a nonprofit 501c3 organization founded in 2000 by siblings Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honor of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr., famous son of the legendary explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau. EarthEcho International's mission is to foster extraordinary leaders to take action to restore and protect our oceans. For more information, visit www.earthecho.org.
