Despite population decline, 2009 may be still a good year for sea otters
Seventh annual Sea Otter Awareness Week kicks off September 27
Summary
• The California sea otter Spring 2009 population census indicates a decline in the three-year population average for the first time in nearly a decade.
• Concerns over the decline have researchers and the conservation community urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act, which was overwhelmingly approved by the House earlier this summer.
• Despite the economic downturn, sea otter tax check-off donations were high enough this year for the check-off box to reappear on the state income tax form in 2010.
• 7th annual Sea Otter Awareness Week events and activities underscore the important conservation work being done to keep California’s most charismatic critter on the road to recovery.
MONTEREY, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2009) — California’s coastal mascot, the southern sea otter, is riding a tide of popularity this week as cities across the states to locales as far-flung as Melbourne, Australia spread the word about sea otter conservation.
Defenders of Wildlife marine program associate Jim Curland hopes that the 7th annual Sea Otter Awareness Week (Sept. 27- Oct. 3) will be the best yet. And he believes that the week’s festivities will help inspire American’s to support the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act, recently approved by the U.S. House of Representatives:
“The sea otter faces challenges on their road to recovery, especially in parts of Alaska and in California. It is inspiring to observe such widespread national and international attention and participation in sea otter conservation through Sea Otter Awareness Week and specifically for the California sea otter to see federal legislation heading to the Senate.
“Sea Otter Awareness Week is about informing people of the threats that sea otters still face and engaging concerned citizens on what they can do to help sea otters make a thriving comeback. As this special event continues to broaden its appeal nationally and internationally, it demonstrates how public education can make a difference in the understanding of the plight of sea otters and the need to recover their populations and the public can make a huge difference.”
Background
Sea Otter Awareness Week 2009 begins on Sept. 27 and goes through Oct. 3. There will be a series of free public talks and other events in the Monterey Bay area, as well as in San Mateo, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara and Ventura, and in Alaska. Aquariums and zoos throughout North America will participate in up-close educational activities, including special showings of the film, Precipice of Survival: The Southern Sea Otter, produced by the U.S. Geological Survey, which will be held at a variety of locations.
Defenders of Wildlife has partnered with sea otter researchers, marine institutions, museums, aquariums and zoos, and many others to show the integral role they play in the coastal marine ecosystem, and this year’s seventh annual celebration of Sea Otter Awareness Week promises to reach even more people than ever. Elected officials from cities throughout California, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Canada have also officially proclaimed Sea Otter Awareness Week.
Links
Get the details about events in your area
Learn more about the film: Precipice of Survival: The Southern Sea Otter.
Read about the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act.
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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.
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