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Imperiled Species
- Sea Otter

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Please direct media inquiries to:

James Navarro

Take Action to Help Save Sea Otters

Defenders of Wildlife is actively working on recovering and protecting sea otter populations in California, Alaska, Washington and Canada.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED:
Speak Up for Sea Otter Recovery Now!

Sea Otter, (c) Scott Roland In 1986, a "no-otter-management zone" was created off the California coast that has seriously jeopardized the recovery of California, or southern, sea otters. On August 26, 2011, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) published a proposed decision to finally end this disastrous program, but we need your help to make it happen!

There will be three public hearings: one on September 27th at Channel Islands National Park Auditorium, one on October 4th in Santa Barbara, and one on October 6th in Santa Cruz. Visit the FWS website for hearing dates, times, and locations.

Until October 24th, you can also send in written comments or post them online to support this decision. Refer to the proposed rule (PDF, page 2) for instructions on how to participate in the comment process. You can also download our sample letter template and list of relevant facts to help you write your message.

This is a tremendous opportunity for you to speak up for sea otters and bring this terrible program to an end once and for all! Please take a moment to send in your comments now.

Coastal Fund Logo The production of this video was made possible through funding received by the Coastal Fund Foundation.

Take Action for California Sea Otters
With fewer than 3,000 southern sea otters left in California’s coastal waters, these playful animals are some of the most imperiled marine mammals in the world. Major threats facing the southern sea otter (some of which have impacts on other sea otter populations worldwide) include:

Disease: About 40 percent of sea otter deaths are disease related. Although some of the exact causes remain unknown, scientists are examining the effects of several things, including toxic pollutants, on sea otter deaths.
Habitat Degradation: As with other wild species, the sea otter habitat is affected by a variety of contaminants. Researchers are also beginning to look at how climate change affects sea otter habitat, both in terms of the food abundance and the conditions of the habitat.
Fishing Gear: In the past, sea otters have become entangled in certain types of fishing gear, such as set gill nets. There is still concern that sea otters may get trapped and drown in certain types of fish traps and crab or lobster pots.
Food Scarcity: The same threats facing sea otters, such as disease, habitat degradation and potentially climate change, could be harming the marine species they depend on for survival.
Offshore Oil Drilling: Because sea otters live so close to oil tanker traffic and potential oil drilling sites, they are highly vulnerable to potential oil spills. Oil causes sea otter fur to clump, leaving the animals exposed to frigid waters, hypothermia and even death.

How You Can Help Save Sea Otters

Sea Otter Tax Poster California Tax Filers: The Sea Otter Fund is on Forms Once Again in 2011!

The California Sea Otter Fund received just over $245,000 from generous California taxpayers for 2009, which kept it on the form in 2010.

AND, with contributions of $263,543 in 2010, the California Sea Otter Fund is on the 2011 tax forms as well. Thank you California supporters!

Learn more about the California Sea Otter Fund >>

Track the Sea Otter Fund’s progress. >>

Adopt a Sea Otter

Your adoption donation will help Defenders:

Educate the public about the importance of sea otters to a healthy marine ecosystem
Work with state agencies, local communities, conservationists, the fishing industry and other stakeholders to develop solutions that work for everyone
Fight on the ground, in the courts and in Washington, D.C. to promote clean energy policies that reduce the potential for more deadly oil spills

Adopt a sea otter today. >>

Make Simple Lifestyle Changes
Sea Otter with Pup, (c) Joel Sartore, NGS Small actions can make a big difference! Here are a few things you can do in your daily life to help protect sea otters.

Buy sustainably harvested seafood: By supporting the sustainable fishing industry, the risk of sea otter food becoming overfished or “bycatch”—trapped in nets intended for other species—is significantly decreased.
Be on the alert for potential contaminants: What we do on land is connected to the ocean, as harmful products are carried through waterways, poisoning the sea otter’s home. Here are some ways to avoid polluting their habitat.
- Support local, organic farms that use fewer pesticides
- Fertilize your own garden with nontoxic, biodegradable products
- Don’t pour harmful chemicals down sinks
- Promptly fix oil leaks in your car and dispose of the old oil
Reduce your carbon footprint: Using compact fluorescent light bulbs and unplugging appliances when not in use can help slow down climate change. Get more helpful tips. >>

Show Off Your Support
Show your support for sea otters with our t-shirt and mug. Your purchase of these items will benefit Defenders, with 30% of the sale going to Defenders of Wildlife.