Boat Strike Deaths of Sea Otters Spark Concern

(04/11/2003) - MONTEREY, Calif. - Defenders of Wildlife today urged boaters to slow down in near shore areas after the deaths of four sea otters from boat strikes within the last week and a half. The otter deaths appear to be centered around Moss Landing. One of the deaths occurred on the same day as the opening of salmon season.

"Within the last five years this is the second occurrence of multiple sea otter deaths resulting from boat strikes," said Jim Curland, Marine Program Associate, Defenders of Wildlife. "Sea otters face a number of complicated problems, but this one has a simple solution: slow down when you're boating in sea otter habitat."

When four sea otters died from boat strikes in 1998, several organizations, including Friends of the Sea Otter, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California Department of Fish and Game, Moss Landing Harbor District, and various kayak groups convened meetings to discuss the problem. As a result, the Harbor District improved signage and patrolling efforts, and staff from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and other groups ventured into the slough on the opening of salmon season to discourage speeders.

Following these outreach efforts and improved signage, there has not been the cluster of sea otter deaths associated with boat strikes as observed within this last week and a half. However, the problem has now resurfaced and it is critical to make people aware that excessive boat speeds can have severe impacts on wildlife. Boat strikes are prohibited actions under both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act that are subject to criminal and civil penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment.

"It appears that we need to renew our efforts in mitigating this serious problem," said Curland. "Collectively we may be able to improve upon signage and boater education, but ultimately it comes down to the person at the wheel doing the right thing."

With the release last week of the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan and the identification of human take, which includes boat strikes, as a major impact to the California, or southern, sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), this is an issue that needs to be fully addressed.

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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading non-profit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation’s most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat, with nearly 500,000 members and supporters across the nation, 120,000 of which are in California. Defenders is dedicated to preserving wildlife and emphasizing appreciation and protection for all species in their ecological role within the natural environment. Defenders is actively involved in species protection and restoration efforts throughout the nation. Please visit www.defenders.org and www.saveseaotters.org

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Contact(s):

Jim Curland, (831) 726-9010