Support the return of sea otters to Oregon.
Sea otters are crucial to our coastal health—act now to support their reintroduction.
This summer, Oregonians were thrilled to learn (and for some, to see) that a pair of sea otters were spotted in Cannon Beach! Sea otter sightings in Oregon’s coastal waters are exceptionally rare, as the species has been locally extinct since the early 1900s. Their absence has had profound ecological impacts.
Sea otters are a crucial keystone species. By feeding on sea urchins, they help maintain healthy, thriving kelp forests. Without sea otters in the nearshore waters, unchecked sea urchins have devastated Oregon’s kelp forests, which are essential for providing food, habitat, and shelter for countless species. As we seek solutions to address biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, restoring sea otters to Oregon’s nearshore ecosystem is vital for supporting a healthy and resilient ocean environment.
The ecological benefits of sea otters were confirmed in a 2022 report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which stated: “There would be multiple substantial biological and ecological benefits to the nearshore marine ecosystem from a reintroduction of sea otters to their historical range in northern California and Oregon.”
While this study lays important groundwork for a potential reintroduction, more must be done to make it a reality—starting with Congress. Please reach out to the Oregon Congressional Delegation and urge them to support and fund sea otter recovery efforts!
What better way to celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week than by taking action to help bring this unique, charismatic, and ecologically vital species back home?
