Defenders of Wildlife Joins Forces with Local Groups During Sea Otter Awareness Week

Weeklong Celebration Features Public Events Including Expert Talks, Educational Demonstrations and Recovery Plans

(09/23/2004) - MONTEREY, Calif. -- Defenders of Wildlife dives into Sea Otter Awareness Week Monday, September 27 by collaborating with sea otter researchers, marine institutions, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Monterey Bay area schools to celebrate sea otters and the integral role that they play in the nearshore marine ecosystem of California.  This is the 2nd annual celebration and promises to be bigger and better than last year.

"Sea Otter Awareness Week is all about educating people on the plight of the southern sea otter, and what they can do to help this magnificent species make a comeback," said Jim Curland, marine program associate, Defenders of Wildlife.  "Education is the critical first step in transforming people's affection for sea otters into actions that can help save them and their marine environment."

The celebration, which runs from September 27 through October 2, will include:

• A talk, by reservation through Defenders of Wildlife only, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium given by the worlds' renowned expert on sea otters, Dr. Jim Estes;

• A presentation, by reservation through Defenders of Wildlife only, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for local Monterey Bay area students;

• Another free public talk, by reservation only through Defenders of Wildlife, on sea otter disease by Dr. Dave Jessup, Veterinarian and Dr. Melissa Miller, Veterinarian, Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center; and

• Other events targeted towards educating school children and other members of the public on the status of the California , or southern sea otter.

The Tuesday, September 28th event at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, featuring Dr. Estes, will also feature Mike Sutton, director for Monterey Bay Aquarium's new Center for the Future of the Oceans and Greg Sanders from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Mike will be speaking about the aquarium's involvement in sea otter conservation and the potential role of the new Center. Greg will briefly discuss the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan and the newly formed Southern Sea Otter Recovery Implementation Team. Find out about the recovery plan and how you can participate in efforts to save the southern sea otter. Copies of the recovery plan will be available to participants free of charge, while supplies last.

Learn how you can "adopt" a sea otter by visiting Defenders' adoption center at Adopt A Sea Otter.

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Defenders of Wildlife is one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and habitat, and was named as one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders is an effective voice for wildlife and habitat. To learn more about Defenders of Wildlife, please visit www.defenders.org.

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Contact(s):

Jim Curland, (831) 726-9010
Brad DeVries, (202) 772-0237