The southern sea otter was believed to be extinct, and otters in alaskan waters were similarly imperiled. Worldwide, numbers have slowly recovered but still stand far below original population numbers. The marine mammal protection act protects sea otters. Southern sea otter as a sentinel of marine ecosystem health. To reach the optimum sustainable population level under the marine mammal protection act. California sea otters are listed as threatened under the endangered species act. Pdf sea otters, kelp forests, and the extinction of steller. Sea otters finally gained protections with the signing of the international fur seal treaty of 1911 and became listed under the marine mammal protection and endangered species acts in the 1970s.
Pdf the late pleistocene extinction of so many largebodied vertebrates has. Between 19922000, there was a decline of about 70% in this population. In the mid 1970s to 1980s the california sea otter population declined as a result of sea otters drowning in near shore, by set gill nets. Endangered species sea otterfriends of the sea otter. Sea otters were reintroduced to washington in 1969 and 1970, when 59 animals were. Export of specimens of species specified in first schedule. This population once contained over half of the worlds sea otters. New findings from a team of scientists have shown that sea otters have low genetic diversity, which could endanger their health as a species. Species included in these schedules are referred to. Ranging from climate change, to oil spills, to pollution there are many threats that have hindered sea otters from being more prosperous and being upgraded from endangered to threatened. The sea otter was originally listed as threatened under the act, but was subsequently listed at a.
Management plan for the sea otter species at risk public registry. At a march 2001 status conference before judge margaret morrow, it became apparent to the court. Prior to commercial exploitation, the estimated abundance of sea otters enhydra lutris in the north. The endangered species reward fund works in cooperation with state and federal agencies to uncover information in incidents involving a variety of species, including bears, cormorants, sea otters and wolves. Federal register endangered and threatened wildlife and. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg 30 to 100 lb, making them the heaviest members of the weasel family, but among the smallest marine mammals. Once extinct in canada, this endangered species has been reintroduced and now numbers around. Sea otters, kelp forests, and the extinction of stellers sea cow article pdf available in proceedings of the national academy of sciences 14 october 2015 with 339 reads how we measure. The washington sea otter stock is not listed as depleted under the mmpa nor listed as threatened or endangered under the endangered species act. L a ist elizabeth taylor 2007 this is one of five reports prepared in response to a directive from congress to the marine. Hunters and habitat loss rendered sea otters almost extinct along the coast of north america by the late 1800s.
The worlds most endangered otter species, known as the hairynosed otter lutra sumatrana, has been rediscovered in deramakot forest reserve in sabah, malaysia, by a collaboration of. Species act of 1973, as amended, and is therefore also recognized as. Dan sea otters are a keystone species in the kelp forest ecosystem, eating sea urchins, clams, snails, sea stars, squid, octopuses and abalone. Our original listing of a species as endangered or threatened is based. The recovery strategy for the sea otter has been prepared in cooperation with the jurisdictions. They are one of the few animals known to use tools they use small rocks to open shellfish. Worlds most endangered otter rediscovered in malaysia.
We compared the local abundance and habitat distribution of black abalone at 12 sites with varying densities of sea otters. Predicting reproduction in captive sea otters 75 were dried, 0. By that time the species have been practically wiped out. Any species or population stock that has been listed as endangered or. Saving the sea otter center for biological diversity. They also have a reduced population size, which puts them in danger of becoming extinct. Their primary form of insulation is their thick coat of fur, which is the densest fur known in the animal kingdom. Californias southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the endangered species act since 1977. It is the smallest marine mammal in north america and is about 4 feet long. The population estimate in the draft recovery plan is about 54,000. The federal status of species under the endangered species act differs in some cases from state status. How sea otters help save the planet environment the guardian. Critical habitat is habitat that is deemed essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species.
We invite you to vote for or against keeping alaskan sea otters on the endangered species list. Adorable, endangered, and a keystone species posted on march 6, 20 by no ordinary world this cuddly creature is a sea otter, or enhydra lutris, a wellknown marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern north pacific ocean. Sea otter enhydra lutris kenyoni united states fish. Sadly, there are currently about 106,000 sea otters world wide and just under 3,000 sea otters in california. Sea otters shown to have low genetic diversity molecular. All other populations are listed on appendix ii of cites.
State listed species revised february 2020 the washington fish and wildlife commission has classified the following 45 species as endangered, threatened, or sensitive. This is accomplished primarily by preying upon urchins that eat the kelp stipe and holdfast, which can reduce a kelp forest to an urchin barren. The sea otter relies on a layer of air trapped in its dense fur and a very high metabolic rate to survive in chilly seas. Sep 29, 2017 for southern sea otters to be considered for delisting under the endangered species act, the population index would have to exceed 3,090 for three consecutive years, according to the threshold established under fws southern sea otter recovery plan. The washington sea otter population of approximately 2,000 animals stems from those relocated sea otters. Novels such as island of the blue dolphins teach us about our history with these animalsand remind us to protect them. A sea otter is a marine mammal that lives in coastal waters in the central and north pacific ocean. The sea otter, a voracious urchineater and possessor of the densest fur in the animal kingdom. The central assumption throughout this paper is that sea otters will be taken off the endangered species list and will be declared at an optimum sustainable population osp level, pursuant. Animals in sea history by richard king mystic seaport.
It has a long body, a flat head with small ears, and a broad muzzle with whiskers. The trade of sea otters was continued until the animals were virtually wiped out. May 26, 2016 the iucn red list has listed sea otters as an endangered species since 2000 and their current population status is decreasing. Sea otters rely on their high metabolism and their plush coat to keep warm. Monitoring sea otter populations, as well as other components related to sea otter status, in nearshore ecosystems will result in. Endangered species act friends of the sea otter sea. The first page is a short article about sea otters with comprehension questions on page two. Management plan for the sea otter enhydra lutris in. The southern sea otter, or california sea otter, was hunted to near extinction in the 1700s and 1800s for its fur, and was listed as an endangered species in 1977 under the endangered species act esa. They eat sea urchins and other invertebrates that graze on giant kelp.
Sea otter population growth has stalled in recent years. Its population has declined by more than 50% over the past 30 years. Fish and wildlife service fws listed the southern sea otter population as threatened under the endangered species act esa in 1977 and adopted a recovery plan for the population 1982, which was updated in 2003. Two separate populations of sea otters live in north america. Friends of the sea otter is committed to and advocates for the conservation of sea otters and the preservation of their habitat through education, research, and policy decisions that will ensure the longterm survival of this species. Committee on the status of endangered wildlife in canada. The sea otter enhydra lutris is the smallest marine mammal, and quite arguably the cutest, with its gentle expression and playful nature endearing it to many. As predators, sea otters are critical to maintaining the balance of the nearshore kelp ecosystems. Without sea otters, the undersea animals they prey on would devour the kelp forests off the coast that provide cover and food for. Fish and wildlife service, sea otters have been protected under the endangered species act since 1977. The sea otter became endangered 1740s when their fur became valuable and got traded. Reduced range and population size, vulnerability to oil spills, and oil spill risk from coastal tanker traffic were the primary reasons for listing. The sea otter has the distinction of being one of the first animals protected under federal law. Studies show that species with critical habitat are twice as likely to recover as those without, the advocacy group said.
By the year 1840, almost all of the california sea otters were exterminated. There were probably only 1,000 to 2,000 sea otters left worldwide. Female otters weigh an average of 45 pounds and male otters weigh an average of 65 pounds. Cites is an international agreement between governments, aimed to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Sep 24, 20 sea otters will form a raft to prevent them from drifting out to sea while sleeping. In 1977, the southern sea otter was listed as threatened under the endangered species act. These hares are a main food source for several species.
This reduced the population of sea otters to one thousand to two thousand sea otters in their thirteen colonies. Since sea otters have such nice fur they were hounded for it. Jul 10, 2016 thus, in removing sea otters from the north pacific, humanity in its pursuit of fur for hats, gloves and coats had not only grievously endangered the species, it had disrupted a large. Historically, sea otters numbered in the hundreds of thousands in the north pacific ocean. To honor that commitment, defenders of wildlife established the endangered species reward fund.
California sea otter enhydra lutris nereis census results. Recent surveys of recovery plans indicate that criteria, such as population sizes, for delisting species from the u. Endangered species act esa are often unrealistically low by scientific standards. River otters frequent rivers and lakes, but are also common in saltwater along the entire british. The iucn red list of threatened species sea otters.
A large amount of information exists on southern sea otters, especially compared to other marine organisms, making the sea otter a good species for which to examine management concerns. Northern sea otter species profile, alaska department of fish. Both species are federally listed under the endangered species act and co. May 19, 2004 the southern sea otter enhydra lutris nereis is listed as threatened under the endangered species act esa and is a keystone species, strongly influencing the abundance and diversity of the other species within its kelp forest ecosystem. Endangered, threatened, and depleted marine mammals in. Management plan for the sea otter 2014 ii executive summary the sea otter enhydra lutris is a marine mammal that was listed as a species of special concern under the species at risk act sara in march 2009. The sea otter is considered an endangered species by the iucn red list of threatened species.
Sea otters live and play in the waters off the pacific coast. Pdf sea otters, kelp forests, and the extinction of stellers sea cow. May 23, 20 sea otters are an iconic species, representing the beauty and diversity of marine life found along californias coastline. While sea otters are vulnerable to natural predators. Endangered, threatened, and depleted marine mammals in u. Sea otters are listed as an endangered species because they are vulnerable to oil spills from ships and coastal tanker traffic. Marine mammal protection act what is the marine mammal protection act.
In 2001, the us fish and wildlife service usfws designated the aleutian islands population of northern sea otter as a candidate species for listing under the endangered species act esa. Why are sea otters endangered the sea otter is a marine mammal which lives on the coasts of the northern pacific ocean. The rapid decline in sea otter abundance in southwest alaska has been attributed to an increase in predation by killer whales. The aweinspiring grizzly bear once roamed the entire western half of north america. Should alaskan sea otters be kept on the endangered species. A sea otter working group was established to provide input and help guide the development and completion of the recovery plan. Lawsuit threatening survival of southern sea otter dismissed. Ninety percent of the worlds sea otters live in coastal alaska. Their main prey species include sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, octopus, fish, and other marine invertebrates. Sea otters are among the largest members of the weasel family, but are the smallest marine mammals in the north pacific. Also called the sea cat, the marine otter is found along the pacific coastline from equatorial peru to the southern tip of south america. Endangered species updated december 1996 the otter. But due to the fur trade, their numbers plummeted in the early 1900s.
Recovery strategy for the sea otter enhydra lutris in canada. When sea otters decline, however, urchin numbers explodeas does their grazing pressure on. In 1982 the service prepared a recov ery plan for the sea otter. Surprisingly, a small raft of otters was found to have survived off the coast of californias. The sea otter was listed as threatened under sara in june 2003.
Oil spills are also devastating to sea otters population. The trade was banned in 1910, with signing of the treaty between america, japan, russia and great britain. Range and population size historically, sea otters occurred in. The sea otter s low level of genetic diversity is similar to endangered species, such as the cheetah and tasmanian devil, said lead author annabel beichman, a graduate student at ucla. It prohibits commercial harvest of sea otters, and allows alaska natives to hunt sea otters for subsistence and creation of handicrafts.
Theyre also considered a keystone species because of their critical importance to the health and stability of the nearshore marine ecosystem. The recovery plan specifies that the species should be considered for delisting when the average population level over a. Sea otter teeth are adapted for crushing hardshelled invertebrates such as clams, urchins, and crabs. Please vote and also leave your comments at the bottom of this page. There have also been laws passed stating that gill nets were not to be used at depths above fifty four meters allthesea, 2014. They were once thought to be extinct in california, but about 50 sea otters were rediscovered in 1938. This is very upsetting because the people who are trying to save them know that the partial reason theyre on the endangered species list, is because of the majority of their own species.
The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family and the smallest marine mammal. Established in 1964, the iucn red list of threatened species has evolved to become the worlds most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Evaluating potential conservation conflicts between two. Muskrat, otters,and raccoons will all eat dwarf wedgemussels. The sea otter enhydra lutris is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern north pacific ocean. The sea otter enhydra lutris is the smallest marine mammal, and quite arguably the cutest. Sea otters are listed by the state of washington as state endangered under revised code of washington 77. Sea otters are threatened by various anthropogenic factors. Fish and wildlife services southern sea otter recovery plan u. The otters play an important role in controlling sea urchin populations, which would otherwise damage the kelp forest ecosystem. Dec 30, 2015 californias sea otters are, as many have pointed out, a conservation success story. The international union for conservation of nature and natural resources iucn have added sea otters onto the endangered list sea otters 2011. How sea otters help save the planet environment the.
Sea otter enhydra lutris species at risk public registry. When the sea otters return to the surface with their prey they will lie on their backs, place the food on their chests and break open the prey using a rock or bottle as a tool. I zazoo interpretation to the first, second and third schedules 1. It has coarse, dense dark brown hair and lighter brown underparts. The sea otters brown to black fur is the finest and densest of any animal fur. The sea otter population that occurs in central california, enhyndra lutris nereis is listed on appendix i of cites. In canada sea otters were federally listed as threatened in 2003 and under the. The marine mammal protection act mmpa protects all marine mammals in u. Although cfsb filed the lawsuit in april 2000, there had been little activity in the litigation.
Today,in the lower 48 states,it has been driven into only the. When present in healthy numbers, they keep sea urchin populations in check. In 19691970 sea otters 59 were relocated from the aleutians to washington. With resplendent, thick fur, otters were voraciously hunted until not a single one could be seen along the california coast. Recovery strategy for the sea otter enhydra lutris species at risk. Southern sea otters enhydra lutris nereis, also known as california sea otters, were listed as threatened in 1977 under the endangered species act. Sea otter, is afforded additional federal protection as a threatened species under the u.
The threat to the southern sea otter posed by oil spills prompted its listing as a threatened species in 1977. Developing a criterion for delisting the southern sea. The southern sea otter enhydra lutris nereis is listed as threatened under the endangered. Declines in kelp density after sea otter population collapse at adak and amchitka islands. We describe the delisting criterion for the threatened southern sea otter enhydra lutris nereis developed by the southern sea otter recovery. Sea otter populations have since begun to return, but slowly. Sea otters dive to gather food from the ocean floor in relatively shallow water in areas with both rocky substrates and soft bottom sediments.
Marine otter facts photos earths endangered creatures. Sea otters are a keystone species, meaning their role in their environment has a greater effect than other species. When gill net legislation was passed in the late 1980s requiring gill nets to move farther off shore, the sea otter population began to grow again until the mid1990s. We chose to focus this special issue of the endangered species update on the southern sea otter for a number of reasons. The global otter conservation strategy iucn otter specialist group. Recovery plan for the southern sea otter us fish and wildlife.