Defenders' Experts
Human Related Sea Otter Mortality
Unfortunately, sea otters are killed each year by humans some intentionally and some unintentionally. Various laws exist that are designed to protect sea otters. These laws include the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In cases where there is evidence that a sea otter has intentionally been killed, Defenders has offered rewards leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.
Shootings of Sea Otters
Known sea otter shootings do occur. There have been five rewards issued by Defenders of Wildlife, and one resulted in a conviction. Defenders of Wildlife's contribution comes from our Endangered Species Reward Fund established in 1998 to bring illegal predator killers to justice.
Collisions of Sea Otters with Boats
In the last nearly a decade, there have been incidents of multiple sea otter deaths due to boat strikes. The first event happened in 1998, when 4 sea otters were struck and killed by boats in and around Moss Landing Harbor and Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (ESNERR).
Because of this incident, many groups, including Defenders of Wildlife, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Friends of the Sea Otter, California Department of Fish and Game, ESNERR, the Moss Landing Harbor District, Kayak businesses, Elkhorn Slough Safaris, and others have had meetings to discuss ways to eliminate these tragic deaths.
The meetings have produced improved signage around the Harbor and Slough, boater education through literature and volunteer monitoring, increased enforcement, installation of a “Slow for Wildlife” buoy, and media coverage.
From 1999 through 2002, improved signage, better enforcement, and media coverage resulted in no multiple sea otter deaths due to boat strikes. However, in April 2003, 4 sea otters died due to boat strikes in the same area within little over a week. In both incidents, at least one sea otter death occurred in conjunction with the opening of salmon season, when there is increased activity around the Harbor, Slough and nearshore areas.
As a result of those 2003 incidents and a few reported since then, efforts continue each year to convene the various stakeholders to discuss further improvements and efforts to eliminate preventable sea otter deaths from boat strikes.
Entanglement With Fishery Gear
Sea
otters and specific types of fisheries (including, pot, trap, gillnet) have had
a history of negative impacts on sea otters.
More about sea otters and fishing gear.
What to Do if You Find an Injured, Sick or Dead Sea Otter
If you come in contact with a injured, sick, abandoned, or dead sea otter, do not try to assess the condition of the animal yourself. It is best not to approach the sea otter. Use the instructions and contact information below.
When reporting a live/dead sea otter be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your name and phone number
- Date found
- Color and number of any tags present.
If the sea otter is dead, mark the location with a stick or brightly colored object if possible. Carcasses floating on the water should be reported as well, even though the chances of recovery are not as good.
Reporting Harassed, Injured or Distressed Sea Otters in California:
Monterey
Bay Aquarium
(831) 648-4840
For otters in distress and/or injured
Marine Mammal Center
(831) 633-6218 (Moss Landing)
(415) 289-9325 (Sausalito)
California Department of Fish and Game
(888) 334-2258
For otters being subjected to reported harrassment and/or harm; this number is used for enforcement issues. (831) 649-2810 is their dispatch number.
Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary (Bob Yerena)
(831) 647-4203
When there is a report of sea otter harrassment after the fact
National Marine Fisheries Service
(831) 647-2127
US Fish and Wildlife Service (Ed Newcomer)
(310) 328-1516 x230
Will handle all sea otter investigations
** Roy Torres, Bob Yerena, Ed Newcomer, and the California Department of Fish and Game wardens handle all violations related to enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary regulations. Their jurisdiction, collectively, is from the San Mateo county line down to the Santa Barbara county line.
Reporting Dead Sea Otters in California:
Monterey Bay Aquarium Security Desk
(831) 648-4840
If otter is in and around Monterey area
Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary (Bob Yerena)
(831) 647-4203
If a
sea otter is discovered in the Santa Cruz area, call:
California Department of Fish and Game
Jack Ames, (831) 212-7010 (cell)
Front Desk: (831) 469-1719
All Other Live Marine Mammals:
Marine Mammal Center
(831) 633-6218 (Moss Landing)
(415) 289-7325 (Sausalito)
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