Defenders of Sea Otters

SeaWorld Takes in Rescued Sea Otter

2011-12-06T15:20:00.001-05:00

Rescued sea otter pup (courtesy of SeaWorld)

SeaWorld San Diego is taking in a rescued California sea otter pup that was rescued and treated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The young female pup will arrive Thursday and if all goes well, the sea otter will be introduced to the park's otter group in the next few weeks.

The sea otter pup was found stranded as a newborn about three months ago on a beach near Santa Barbara. Staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium rescued and treated her. Deemed non-releasable by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, SeaWorld decided to take her in.

Free the Otters!

2011-10-20T21:53:00.002-04:00

Admirers of sea otters are asking federal officers to lift the ban and allow the sea otters to return to Southern California. The ban was designed to appease fishermen who feared the sea otters would compete with their daily catch. However, the wildlife service is now considering ending the ban and the program that relocated 140 sea otters to a remote island. A final decision on ending the Southern California sea otter ban will be made in December 2012.

Also, in San Diego, a sea otter was spotted near the Bay. Some of the sea bird enthusiasts who saw the otter said that in the 40 years that they have been on the waters in San Diego, they have never seen a sea otter before.

To find out more about the ban and/or get involved, please visit Free the Otters.

In the meantime, here is a Halloween treat to all friends of sea otters:

Tazo the sea otter poses with the Great Pumpkin (courtesy of gothamist)

Legislation to help sea otters passes

2011-09-07T09:21:00.000-04:00

Last week, legislation that would help protect California's threatened sea otter population passed the California State Senate on a 33 to 3 vote and went to the Governor's desk. This legislation, Assembly Bill 971, would keep the California Sea Otter Fund, a voluntary tax check-off program, in place for another 5 years. Money collected from the program would go towards research and protection of sea otters.

A few days ago, on September 1, Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law, allowing the California Sea Otter Fund to stay in place, giving residents the choice to continue to donate money to the sea otter fund as a tax write-off.

In other news, after 24 years of barring sea otters from most Southern California coasts in order to try and establish growth for them on San Nicholas Island, federal wildlife officials announced a proposal to abandon the program, as it has failed to allow the population to recover.

The proposal would allow sea otters expand naturally into their historic range off Southern California and put an end to the relocation program. The program started in 1987, when federal officials relocated sea otters from Monterey Bay to San Nicholas Island to try and establish a new population of southern sea otters in case of a disaster such as an oil spill.

The population failed to take hold and now, the Fish and Wildlife Service have taken away the "no-otter zone". This decision was applauded by many organizations, such as Friends of the Sea Otter, the Humane Society, and Defenders of Wildlife. The actual decision could be made final by 2012 and the Fish and Wildlife Service is currently asking for public comments on the plan.

Tazo Ready for Exhibit at New York Aquarium

2011-06-22T10:19:00.000-04:00

Tazo was found as a sickly, orphaned newborn in the Alaskan wild about a year ago after a violent storm separated him from his mother.

After being found, Tazo was nursed back to health in Brooklyn and is currently doing swimmingly. The rehabbed Tazo is ready to show off at New York Aquarium, run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, in Coney Island.

Tazo at New York Aquarium (Courtesy of NY Daily News)

The New York Aquarium took over Tazo's rehabilitation last August from the Alaska SeaLife Center. Since losing his mother, Tazo has not been in contact with another sea otter. On June 9, 2011, Tazo took up residence with Jacob, New York Aquarium's southern sea otter, in the outdoor Sea Cliffs exhibit.
To prevent problems, the two otters were placed in side-by-side separate tanks, to be acquainted by smell and sight, but not touch.

Rescued Otters and Killer Whale Predation

2010-11-01T11:36:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a great Halloween. I have several sea otter updates to report today.

The Wildlife Conservation Society says that an orphaned sea otter from the Alaska SeaLife center is living it big in New York. Five-month-old Tazo was rescued after he was separated from his mother and was found in a backyard in Homer, Alaska. The SeaLife Center transferred him to Brooklyn in August and New York Aquarium officials say he's happy, healthy, and playful. He's expected to make his public debut later this year.

In other news, Mojo, an unlucky northern sea otter, arrived a couple of weeks ago at his new home in Oregon Coast Aquarium. Mojo had a run-in with a boat propeller in July, giving him head lacerations and a broken jaw, but he has been recovering over the the summer and was shipped to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, joining three other otters already at the Aquarium. Mojo was about 4 months old when he was discovered on the beach in Homer, Alaska in July.

Mojo, found injured in July, is now making a speedy recovery at his new home (Courtesy of Oregon Live)

Government scientists have identified killer whales as the #1 cause behind the decline of sea otter in southwest Alaska. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services have proposed a five-year, $15 million recovery plan for sea otters in the Aleutian Islands; they have cited killer whale predation as the major threat. The plan also cites predation by sharks and disease as other possible factors. The plan calls for monitoring the sea otter population, protecting their habitats, and protecting sea otters from human interference, as well as natural threats.

Kit the Orphaned Otter: A Quest to find a Home

2010-09-22T14:03:00.005-04:00

Hello dear readers! Sorry I have been MIA for a couple of months, but I am back and ready to blog all the otter news for you. I recently received an email from a reader, Ken Peterson, who is also the Communications Director at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. Mr. Peterson was very kind to have sent me some new material regarding Kit, the orphaned sea otter pup I blogged about in March 2010. In turn, as your faithful sea otter blogger, I will pass the information to you.

This YouTube video is of Kit bottle feeding as a newly rescued orphan. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Research and Conservation staff are bottle feeding Kit in this clip. Infant otter pups, especially those recently rescued, need to be under constant watch.

The Otter U | Monterey Bay Aquarium website features the story of Kit's rescue and journey from orphaned sea otter pup to permanent member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and surrogate mother. So far, it is a six-part story, from Kit's rescue to a new name and the teen years.

In part 1, the article talks about how biologist Mike Harris discovered a sea otter pup alone on the beach. He tried reuniting the pup with the nearest group of sea otters, but none of the mothers responded to the pup's cries. Harris watched as the orphan pup tried to climb onto some of the other mothers in the group, but was pushed off. It was becoming evident that the pup's mother was nowhere in sight.

Harris brought the orphan in - she was one of the youngest to have survived alone in the wild.

In part 2, Harris handed over the otter pup to the staff at Monterey Bay Aquarium. At five weeks old, the orphan pup was too young to feed herself. Usually pups this young are heavily dependent on Mom for food and shelter. The Aquarium's staff and volunteers were all very enthusiastic and eager to help out, so there was no problem to find people who were willing to share the 24-hour shifts of caring for the sea otter pup.

However, a problem arose. What would happen once the pup was grown up and could feed herself? She would need a surrogate otter mother to teach her the ways of surviving in the wild. Unfortunately, the two possible surrogate mothers were already hard at work, teaching other orphaned pups.
In part 3, we learn that the Aquarium came up with a solution for the sea otter pup. The Aquarium would take her into the family and raise her in its sea otter exhibit - she will be the youngest otter in the exhibit. Although she can't be returned to the wild, she could one day become a surrogate mother to other stranded pups. When otters first arrive at the Aquarium, they are only given a number. Once an otter becomes a permanent member of the Aquarium, they are given a name. The orphan sea otter pup's name was Kit.

Once Kit was weaned and could eat on her own, she was paired with Mae, an adult female otter who was never a surrogate mother before. The two took to each other like long-lost companions and they were entered into the exhibit just 3 days after meeting each other.

In part 4, Mae, with the help of Rosa, another adult female surrogate mother, taught Kit how to catch crabs and how to mingle in otter society.

In part 5, Kit moved away from her surrogate mother, Mae, to explore the interesting world of otter teenagers! Just like human teenagers, otter teenagers prefer to hang out with each other than Mom.

For those in the Monterey area, the Aquarium is hosting "Otter Days at the Aquarium" this weekend, September 25-26. Learn how the Aquarium cares for otters and meet some sea otter experts.

Kit, the rescued orphaned pup (courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Notes)

In addition, please help and donate to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Ocean conservation efforts, including the rescue and recovery of sea otters, like Kit, is crucial to our ecosystems.

A special thanks to Mr. Ken Peterson for providing me with this valuable information and the great story of Kit!

Otter pups need swimming lessons just like kids do!

2010-07-15T08:28:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd share this adorable and informative video with everyone: Otter pups swimming lesson

The video shows a mom teaching her young baby North American river otter how to swim. I know I'm more of a sea otter blogger, but I thought this was well-worth the share.

"Did you know that otters have to be taught how to swim? Mom has to teach her babies how to be as home in the water as on land. At around 30 days of age, otter pups are strong enough to begin their swimming lessons, although sometimes, they're not the most enthusiastic students. Mom teachers each pup indivdiually - allowing her to focus her attention on each pup and each lesson. She teaches the pups in stages. She first teaches them to float... after floating comes swimming. Once the pup is confident as a swimmer, Mom teaches them to dive and move underwater. Then she teaches each pup how to dry off and stay warm after a dip in the pool. Once the pup's lesson is over, Mom carefully carries the little one back to the den where they immediately nap and get some much needed rest. Before long, the pups are confident swimmers and well on their way to becoming the expert swimmers that all otters seem to be. It's a sight to behold and often, simply too adorable for words."

The North American river otter habitat at the Columbus Zoo is reopened to the public. Be sure to stop by on your next visit and maybe you'll be lucky enough to see Mom teaching her pups swimming lessons!

This sea otter thinks you should go see a Mom otter teach her pups how to be good swimmers!

Sea Otters: Foes of Global Warming

2010-07-13T20:26:00.003-04:00

Cute? Yes! Helpful? Yes! Sea otters are known for their cute, furry appearances, but did you know that they can also help combat global warming and climate change?

According to Tonic, sea otters "packs a mighty ecological punch in the battle against climate change." They keep sea urchins in check, which allow for kelp forests to thrive. Professor Chris Wilmers of the University of California Santa Cruz has determined that the "carbon dioxide sequestered in the biomass of a thriving kelp forest as a direct result of the otter's keeping the kelp's predators in check is potentially substantial." The professor estimates that if sea otters numbers were back to their population level before fur trading nearly wiped them all out, they could contribute to the sequestration of 10^(10) kilograms of carbon dioxide.

This estimation clearly underlines the significance and value of sea otters. We should obviously do what we can to support these furry, beneficial creatures and help their population boom.

Sea otter swimming (courtesy of Tonic.com)

The Search is On

2010-07-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

The SFGate reports that a reward has been offered to find the killer of a California sea otter near Morro Bay. Defenders of Wildlife (who inspired my blog title) have offered a $2,500 reward for information on the culprit, who shot a young, female sea otter either at sea or along the shoreline. No one knows who performed the animal or why. The sea otter was found on June 24 north of the Morro Strand Campground and a necropsy revealed that the animal died from her wounds after being shot in the head by a pellet gun.

"It's a senseless, heinous crime," said Jim Curland, a marine program associate for Defenders of Wildlife. Indeed, as we all know, the sea otter population is still trying to recover from overhunting and disease and have been on the Endangered Species List since 1977.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is trying to determine whether an interference with a fishing operation may have been the cause of death. Sea otters love to eat shellfish and sea urchins, and are often considered pests by fishermen.

A conviction for killing a southern sea otter can lead to jail time and up to $10,000 in fines.

"Killing a threatened animal is a shameful act and should not go unpunished," said Curland. "Our role is to hopefully to facilitate somebody coming forward who may not normally come forward."

How can you want to kill such a beautiful, amazing creature?

Sea otters are a keystone species and vital to our oceans, enhancing diversity and primary productivity. It is so sad (and maddening at the same time) to know that someone out there shot such a young, innocent, and defenseless creature and is walking unpunished. Please, if you have information regarding the illegal shooting of the sea otter, contact the State Department Fish & Game or Animal Rescue Team, Inc. You can also contact Mona Iannelli of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Animal Rescue Team, Inc. is also offering a reward of $1,000 for any information that could lead to an arrest of the person(s) responsible for this crime.

Farewell, Nuka

2010-06-10T14:56:00.006-04:00

Most unfortunately, I bear sad news to all.

The Seattle Times reported that on May 27, 2010, Nuka, a 21-year-old northern sea otter died.

She died at the Seattle Shedd Aquarium, where she had been living since 2001 after spending the earlier part of her life at a Chicago aquarium. Aquarium officials say that Nuka's health has been deteriorating over the last few months; she stopped socializing with the other otters and refused to eat. Fearing she was living in pain, aquarium staff, marine biologists, and her vet decided it was time to euthanize her.

"Because wild animals try to mask their symptoms when they're ill, you really have to look closely to see a decline," said Traci Belting, marine-mammal curator for the aquarium.

Nuka survived the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, one of only three otters still alive in captivity that had survive the disaster. Many believe that it was because of the oil spill that threatened Nuka's health over the course of her lifetime. For years, Nuka struggled with immune-system problems, poor skin and fur, and seemed unable to groom herself; problems which are consistent with her early exposure to petroleum.

Nuka's problems represent the risks that BP's Deepwater Horizon oil spill poses for marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. Even if they're saved, it's not the end of these innocent marine creatures.

At the time, Nuka was the aqarium's oldest sea otter.
Rest in peace, Nuka.

Sea Otters Thanking BP?

2010-05-27T11:33:00.007-04:00

As you've all read in newspapers and online articles and seen on television, on April 20, 2010, an offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, killing 11 people and causing a massive oil spill to leak out. The rig was owned by BP. Currently, BP is trying to clean up and contain the oil spill. Estimates of amount of oil discharged range from 5,000 barrels to 100,000 barrels of crude oil a day; unfortunately, the exact spill flow rate is unknown since BP refuses scientists to perform accurate measurements. It has been said that this oil spill has already surpassed the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 and is the largest oil spill in U.S. history. Unlike the Exxon Valdez oil spill however, the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill will probably have zero to minimal effects on sea otters.

In this interesting article by NPR, the oil spill has indirectly caused sea otters to thank BP. Even though BP is making quite a few enemies at the moment, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA isn't one of them. In fact, the Aquarium has just opened its new sea otter exhibit, courtesy of a million-dollar grant from BP. The Aquarium's president, Mr. Jerry Schubel, was asked by reporters how he could accept a contribution from BP after what happened in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mr. Schubel said, "Life is filled with ironies. Our role is education. We are an educational institution devoted to conservation, so I don't feel that this gift is at odds with our mission." He affirms that the BP logo, inscribed on the wall next to the sea otter exhibit, will remain there and that he has no regrets taking their donation. He even invited a representative from BP, Matt Rezvani, to the opening, even though Mr. Rezvani offered to stay home.

"This is about the aquarium, not about BP. It is a great achievement, we just happen to be a sponsor, and we didn't want to tarnish that," Rezvani said.

BP gave the money to the Aquarium years before the oil spill even happened. The company has been a sponsor of several institutions and no charity is planning on giving back the donations or taking BP's name off.

What does everyone think about this article? Should the Aquarium give BP back their donation? Should they keep it? Share your comments!

Give a hoot, don't pollute! Happy Earth Day 2010!

2010-04-22T21:59:00.001-04:00

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day is my favorite holiday; it's a day for awareness and appreciation of our planet. As I've said before though, every day is Earth Day. You can do so many things to help this wonderful little planet we live on, without having to spend a lot of money on anything. In fact, you could even be saving with some of these tips:

Conserve energy by turning off lights and electronics when you're not using them.
Bike, carpool, walk, or take public transportation.
Switch to CFLs (compact fluorescent lightbulbs). They will save you money in the long run!
Bring a reusable bag or tote when you go shopping. I know that in China, grocery stores actually charge you money if you don't bring one and they have to use their plastic bags. I think this is a great implementation and wish they did this in the U.S! It could significantly cut down on plastic bag usage. Also, I've been to Trader Joe's and noticed that if you bring in your own reusable bag or tote, you could be entered in a contest for a Trader Joe's $$$ shopping spree.
If you have to print, click the option 'Fast Draft' and print on both sides. It will save you ink, money and help the environment!
Only run the dishwasher when there's a full load. In my family, we don't even use the dishwasher unless we have a big party. Usually, we'll hand wash the dishes and put them in the dishwasher to dry.
Recycle! Simple, but the best!

Those are just some tips. For more, the EPA has more environmental tips: EPA Earth Day Tips

In sea otters news...

This article stresses the California sea otter numbers being down for a third consecutive year. Surveys conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and other organizations, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, have shown the otter population in decline again.

Allison Ford, executive director of the Otter Project, has emphasized her concerns, saying, "Otters are the endangered species success story that's not quite successful." Ford expressed no surprise at the results of the data, saying that the decline is due to a number of reasons, such as chemicals being put out into the ocean.

Over-fertilizing lawns is a big problem, because it adds chemical runoff to the ocean. This is another tip that can be added to our list from above. Over-fertilizing doesn't help your lawn or the sea otters or the other marine organisms that live in the ocean, or even you! You could be drinking your own overly-fertilized lawn right now... so please be mindful of this information and don't over-fertilize your lawn. This small act can help these sea otters recover.

And now, I will leave you readers with these inspiration Earth Day quotes. I hope they inspire you to do your part in protecting the environment.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

"What's the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?" - Henry David Thoreau

EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY!

Utterly Otterly Day

2010-03-17T17:23:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A recent Public News Service article discussed the troubles of a fund that currently helps the endangered sea otter. Since 2007, Californians have been contributing to the California Sea Otter Fund; an easy contribution of simply checking off a box on their state income tax return. Last year, the fund almost missed its minimum target amount, but even so, tax officials have let the box remain on this year's form.

Despite the generosity of the tax officials, environmentalists are now worried about the California Sea Otter Fund. Due to the spiraling decline of the economy, many predict that people will not be paying much attention to this fund, as they have bigger fish to fry and worry. However, the California Sea Otter Fund is the only dedicated funding source for research on sea otters and their decline and hopeful population return. The money raised through the California Sea Otter Fund is split between the California Coastal Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game. The donations are spent on research of the animals themselves, habitat improvements, and law enforcements of the sea otters.

I am also a victim of America's economy. And while I don't live in California and can't contribute to this wonderful sea otter fund, I urge those who do live in California to check this box on your state income tax return this year. As the article stated, the fund almost missed its minimum target amount last year, but luckily the contribution box still remains for this year. However, we cannot be so hopeful that it will be on the form next year. I know everyone is in a pinch, but even the donation of a single dollar can help these beautiful creatures have the chance they deserve.

The state Franchise Board has stated that the California Sea Otter Fund must raise $258,563 this year to keep its listing for next year. Please help the California Sea Otter Fund and contribute as much as you can!

Kit, an 11-week-old sea otter, rescued in Morro Bay

In other news, Kit, an 11-week-old sea otter, was rescued in Morro Bay and has joined the Monterey Bay. She is the youngest otter in Monterey Bay Aquarium's history. Kit was found in early January; she was looking for her lost mother among a group of adult females and pups. The other adult females rejected her, so a sea otter biologist contacted Monterey Bay's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program. I encourage anyone and everyone to go visit Kit in the Monterey Bay Aquarium! I definitely wish I could go and see this utterly cute sea otter pup!

This is otterly important.

2010-01-20T22:53:00.003-05:00

To my readers,

Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you all good health, good wishes and an increased knowledge of sea otters! :D

While I know not many people read this blog, I still find it fascinating to research sea otters and still love these furry marine mammals. Blogging extensively about one subject can be quite tiring at times, but it is rewarding to know that I am spreading the word in some way, albeit a small one. I hoped I could turn this blog into something really big, but of course, Rome wasn't built in a day, and this blog will not be turned into a star overnight. I am glad that I could share the many wonderful facts about sea otters and update you all on the current research that's going on, as well as other news. I know sea otter news isn't quite like your regularly scheduled nightly news, where something happens somewhere in the world each and every day. As you can tell, sea otter news is quite hard to come by at times and it is very repetitious. However, I am still proud to be a sea otter blogger and I am glad I have not quit.

With that being said, I return, as your faithful sea otter blogger tonight. For those in the San Francisco, CA area, there happens to be a sea watch for endangered sea creatures on January 30, which is coming up!

"Join local naturalists for a sea watch looking for Marbled Murrelet, California Sea Otter, and Steller Sea Lion. Because you never know...you might get lucky! RSVP required." I am attaching the link here, so those in the area, please stop by! I think this is a great opportunity to try and spot some of these beautiful endangered animals.

In other news, Aialik, an 11-year-old Northern sea otter at the Oregon Coast Aquarium came down with a bladder infection. The veterinarian on staff, Steven Brown, suspected a protozoan infection was the cause, so he asked Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital to let him use their MRI to take a look at poor little Aialik, which the hospital graciously said yes to. The article can be read here; basically, Aialik has a bulging disc and the doctors are debating a procedure never done on a sea otter before. It's called "marsupializing the bladder", which essentially means that the bladder will be connected to the abdominal wall. The procedure seems frightening and I feel very sorry for Aialik, but I hope that he can recover. I'm sure the Oregon Coast Aquarium will do everything in their power to help Aialik.

I Otter Give You A Kiss!

Thanks for reading tonight!

You Otter Know

2009-12-05T23:55:00.004-05:00

What You Otter Know:

Just this past summer on June 30, 2009, the sea otter population was once again, in trouble.

The 2009 sea otter count revealed that the California sea otter population was on the decline. The total number of otters was 2654, which is 3.8% from last year's numbers. The total count, however, is much lower than the 2006 count, meaning a rather big step back for the sea otters.

Some of the more serious threats to otters include disease from chemicals such as DDT. Simply speaking, agricultural pesticides, urban runoff, and harmful pollutants that we humans produce, are harming these poor, innocent creatures. Other threats include food shortage, entanglement in fishing nets/other equipment, and even physical abuse from humans! Oil spills are not the only thing that can damage the sea otter population. Of course, they are a major problem, but they don't happen every day. Water pollution and human violence are harming the otters everyday. We need to act on these issues right now if we are to save these furry mammals.

Remember that your actions can help the sea otters!

Mommy and baby sea otter

The Otter Project

2009-08-28T22:36:00.004-04:00

I just found the Otter Project and it's awesome.

The Otter Project is dedicated to protecting the California sea otter. There are lots of facts about otters, current projects, how you can take action to help, press and research and news clips. Lots of great goodies regarding protecting our beloved, furry friends.

Take a gander at the Otter Project~ I am sure you will find it informative and exciting. Plus, you can sign up for the newsletter so you can get the latest news about sea otter happenings. Or you can donate to the Otter Project to help this worthy cause. Fantastic site, highly recommended.

I found this excellent video~ Sea otter pup befriends kayaker. A sea otter spent about 10 minutes playing around a kayak. The kayaker was super intelligent and didn't give the sea otter any food, which is a good thing because you don't want these otters to be dependent on humans for food. It was very clever of the kayaker to have a hands-off approach to the sea otter.
I will leave you all today with this adorable picture:

A sea otter having a nap

Rebounding #s

2009-07-22T20:17:00.003-04:00

Good news!

Sea otter numbers are rebounding from endangerment. These cute little guys are making a comeback along the Northwest coast. It all started in 1969 with a couple dozen sea otters being reintroduced. Today, there are more than a thousand.

A hundred years ago, sea otters were hunted to extinction off the coasts of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. To help them, the government transferred otters from Alaska to be reintroduced in the other states. The sea otter numbers took off in both Washington and off Vancouver Island.

Actually, sea otter numbers have rebounded so strongly north of the border that they're now competing with local fisherman for shellfish like clams, crabs and sea urchins. Biologists say a similar conflict could occur in the Northwest. Plus, the cuteness of the animal and curiosity of humans can definitely mean trouble in the future.

"People see them as very cuddly, like a stuffed animal. I mean you look at them, that's what they sort of are. But they are a weasel. They have lots of teeth and very strong jaws. That's how they make their living cracking open shells and crabs. And they do that by biting," says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Deanna Lynch.

Vancouver Island First Nations plan sea otter hunt

2009-05-27T09:28:00.008-04:00

Planned sea otter hunt

A Vancouver Island First Nations group has decided to hunt sea otters. They struck a deal with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which allows the group to hunt 1% of the sea otter territory on the west coast of Vancouver every year. Keith Atleo, a member of one of the bands that make up the First Nations group says that the planned hunt is necessary to balance out the sea otter population and stop them from decimating the sea urchin population. Marine biologists say that this hunt will not jeopardize ongoing recovery efforts.

As known, sea otters were once hunt to extinction in British Columbia for the fur trade. The otters were reintroduced to B.C. in the 1960s and 1970s. The population has reached 3,500 and the sea otters are now considered at risk rather than endangered. Conservation groups are supporting this hunt only if it is done and monitored properly. This agreement is awaiting final approval from First Nations group leaders and the government.

Happy Earth Day 2009!

2009-04-21T23:19:00.004-04:00

Happy Earth Day!!"Man must feel the earth to know himself and recognize his values...God made life simple. It is man who complicates it." - Charles A. Lindbergh

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." - Native American proverb

"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetiness and respecting her seniority." - Elywn Brooks White

Remember, every day is Earth Day. Please take this day to sit down for a moment and recall the glorious beauty of all that is natural around you. Remember a hike you took when you were younger in a stunning and magnificent place that only Nature could provide for you. And remember that even though Nature has provided this beautiful place for us, we have to respect and keep it just the way it was in the beginning. This world is mysterious, beautiful, and just awesome. Let's keep it that way for many, many generations to come.

What's Killing the Sea Otters?

2009-03-16T10:27:00.003-04:00

Did you know that sea otters also suffer from brain disease, just like humans? Yes, in fact, 17% of sea otters die from brain disease, caused by a single-cell parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite has been moving around land for generations, including humans, but now it's moving into the sea and infecting sea otters, who are unprepared for this deadly assault by the parasite because their immune systems cannot block the parasite.

The sea otters do not possess the immunity to the Toxoplasma gondii; 52% of 305 dead sea otters found and 38% of 257 live sea otters captured along the California sea coast between 1998-2004 were infected. Of the dead sea otters found between 1998-2001, 17% died from the parasite.

In areas where freshwater flows from land to ocean, for instance streams and rivers, sea otters have a 2.9 times greater risk of infection. Additionally, mussels can have the parasite in their tissues, and we all know how much sea otters love mussels!

Another poisonous disease that kills sea otters is the tiny acanthocephalan worm. It kills about 14% of sea otters. The poor otters get infected after eating sand crabs and mole crabs that contain the intermediate life stage of this worm. The worm buries itself in the otters' intestines and this causes the otters intestines to be tied in knots, and the otters die. It is especially common juvenile otters.

We must also remember that pollutants kill otters, specifically pollutants that come from agricultural runoff and sewage. These pollutants can damage an otter's internal system, and affect pregnancy and fetal health. Oil pollution is also a major problem. The otter's fur is soaked with oil, and then the otter can't maintain its proper body heat, and dies from hypothermia.

Remember, otters are just as important as any other creature on this planet!

Frozen bay = easy prey

2008-12-01T20:40:00.002-05:00

Last year, the Alaskan Peninsula had frozen sea otters out of their normal habitat - easy prey to wolves, humans, and other carnivores.

Some of those sea otters were attacked by dogs, killed by villagers, or died on the ice where other animals can pick at their carcasses. If the otters weren't clubbed over the head by humans and turned into hats, gloves, or blankets, they died on the ice.

Normally, sea otters swim to the bottom of the sea in search for clams or sea urchins. However, with the bay being frozen over, the search for food ends at the surface. These Western Alaska sea otters are under the threatened species list. Their numbers have dropped 50% in the last 20 years.

Although people can't legally hunt and kill sea otters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the 1972 law allows Alaska natives to kill them for food or making handicrafts.

Remember - sea otters are a keystone species. If they die off, the entire marine ecosystem will fall apart. Protect sea otters - do not hunt or kill sea otters for food or for clothing.

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T16:25:00.004-04:00

Happy Earth Day 2008!
"A large animal needs a large area. If you protect that area, you're also protecting thousands of other plants and animals. You're saving all these species that future generations will want - you're saving the world for your children and your children's children. . . . The destruction of species is final. If you lose a species, you lose the genes, you lose all the potential drugs and potential foods that could be useful to the next generations. The ecosystems will not function as they have." ~ George Schaller

Brief Hiatus

2008-04-06T20:19:00.001-04:00

Dear Readers,

Due to a little something called college, there will be a brief hiatus until everything gets sorted out school-wise. I do appreciate those of you who read my blog, and I will continue defending sea otters blog-style as soon as I can.

Thank you for reading!

Remember that even though I am not blogging at the moment, please defend sea otters and combat global warming!

Sea Otter Fun Activities

2008-03-22T15:02:00.001-04:00

This week's blog features some fun activities to do!

Sea Otters Colouring Page

(Because I know we all miss colouring on some level)

Otter Lunch Bag Puppet

(Same reasons as above - you know you're a kid at heart)

I'd like to inform my readers that I've been accepted to the Greenpeace Organizing Term Internship for the Summer of 2008. I'm very excited about this opportunity and it gives me a chance to work with all the aspects of environmentalism that I love, including species endangerment and extinction. And I also am waiting to hear back from a Greenpeace job offer in San Francisco, home to many sea otters!

Population Status

2008-03-09T18:03:00.001-04:00

There is good news and bad news.

The good news?

The California sea otter is healthier in recent years and is modestly growing.

The sea otter population is surveyed twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. The Spring 2007 survey found 3,026 sea otters, a 12% increase from Spring 2006.

However, the bad news is that the mortality of young otter pups and young adult otters has increased. More male sea otters are found dead than females.

Why are the sea otters dying?

30%-50% of all mortality is due to a variety of diseases (i.e. diseases from land, pathogens and chemical pollutants)
Gun shots
Boat strikes
Predator bites

What we can do to help?

Stop polluted sewage and runoff from reaching the ocean
Municipal storm water plans should be updated and restrictive of pollutants
Chemicals should be cleaned from harbors
Eliminating conflicts with fisheries
Reducing boat disturbances
Take aggressive action to reduce the possibility of oil spills

Why save the California sea otter?

They increase primary productivity of their environment. The otter increases kelp production which supports fish populations.
They increase biodiversity. The coastal environment is 3x more diverse with sea otters than without.
They benefit the entire ocean shore environment.

Live Sea Otter Cam

2008-02-23T10:28:00.003-05:00

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Live Sea Otter Cam

Now you can watch sea otter live at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
(Warning: Just like any other animal, sea otters won't always be active, so you have to patient watching the live sea otter cam)

Also, I strongly urge you to check this video out, it's one of the most adorable things out there:

Sea Otters Holding Hands

(Warning: It's too cute for your own good. You will not be able to resist saying "awwww")

And this CBC news is in response to the above link:

Otters Holding Hands - CBC News

In summary, the sea otters holding hands aren't in love. They hold hands because it's a survival instinct. In the wild, it's much rougher and wilder. Sea otters hold hands to protect each other. Of course, there's a definite possibility that the two otters, Nyak and Milo, may be in love too.

I read the video responses and I was shocked to see how many people replied "Endangered?!?! I had no idea!" This is why many animals are endangered, because there are not that many that know they are endangered in the first place. Yes, sea otters are endangered, and so are a great many other animals. In fact, here is a list of endangered animals and plants.

Please keep sea otters in mind. Like the CBC video said, the catastrophic Exxon Valdez oil spill killed off many of them. I would like to put in a word that the oil spill has still not been completely cleaned up yet, as they had not contained all the oil when the spill occurred, so even today, Prince William Sound in Valdez has oil spots threatening wildlife. The Sound is a beautiful place.

Sea Otters in Love?

2008-02-23T10:28:00.001-05:00

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Live Sea Otter Cam

Now you can watch sea otter live at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
(Warning: Just like any other animal, sea otters won't always be active, so you have to patient watching the live sea otter cam)

Also, I strongly urge you to check this video out, it's one of the most adorable things out there:

Sea Otters Holding Hands

(Warning: It's too cute for your own good. You will not be able to resist saying "awwww")

And this CBC news is in response to the above link:

Otters Holding Hands - CBC News

In summary, the sea otters holding hands aren't in love. They hold hands because it's a survival instinct. In the wild, it's much rougher and wilder. Sea otters hold hands to protect each other. Of course, there's a definite possibility that the two otters, Nyak and Milo, may be in love too.

I read the video responses and I was shocked to see how many people replied "Endangered?!?! I had no idea!!" This is why many animals are endangered, because there are not that many that know they are endangered in the first place. Yes, sea otters are endangered, and so are a great many other animals. In fact, here is a list of endangered animals and plants.

Please keep sea otters in mind. Like the CBC video said, the catastrophic Exxon Valdez oil spill killed off many of them. I would like to put in a word that the oil spill has still not been completely cleaned up yet, as they had not contained all the oil when the spill occurred, so even today, Prince William Sound in Valdez has oil spots threatening wildlife. The Sound is a beautiful place. I visited Alaska in the summer of 2006, and I would certainly not mind going back just to visit the Sound again. In a later post, I will describe my experiences and post a picture of the gorgeous Sound for all to see and appreciate.

Save the Sea Otters!

*On a side note:
http://qc.ruby-soho.net (Questionable Content Fanlisting)

Easy Prey

2008-02-13T15:48:00.001-05:00

Due to current climate change, the Alaskan Peninsula has been experiencing extra-cold winters, which has sea otters being pushed out of the bay, frozen, into a tundra near Port Heiden (a village about 400 miles southwest of Anchorage) where they are easy targets for predators such as wolves and humans. Not to mention, the poor sea otters are starving to death. Some of these sea otters can be seen with their ribs showing.

Some of these sea otters have been attacked by dogs near houses or killed by people for their skin, or have died of starvation on frozen ice where other predators can pick off their remains. It is said that natives have skinned at least 17 of these otters for their hide to make clothing and accessories.

It is said that these villagers have clubbed some otters with ax handles or shot some and collected some frozen corpses. Many otters are all over the ice, frozen.

Sea otters usually look for sea urchins or clams at the bottom of the sea, but the frozen ice is preventing them from finding their usual meal, so they have to resort to finding food on land.

Western sea otters from the Aleutian Islands on Cook Inlet are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The current numbers are in th 48,000, a more than 50% drop in the last 20 years. Some scientists are blaming the cause of sea otter deaths on increased predation from killer whales or a bacteria that causes heart problems for sea otters.

People can't legally hunt or kill sea otters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. But it does allow the Alaskan natives to kill the sea otters for food or making crafts. However, people in the village don't eat sea otters and rarely hunt them. The animals haven't come ashore in large numbers since 2000, the last time the bay froze.

Global warming affects us all! Save the sea otters! As well as yourself!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! <3

Food is our common ground

2008-02-09T22:39:00.001-05:00

They're cute, playful, and fun to watch. And when they're not chasing each other around the kelp forests, they're floating on their backs like miniature teddy bears. Who can resist these creatures?

A new study has found that all sea otters within an area of abundant food resources share the same dietary preferences. Where food is limited, a diverse array of feeding strategies emerges. Scientists studying sea otters in different sites in California were not surprised by this fact. They have long known that when food becomes scarce, animal populations specialize in a wider range of food sources. However, they were surprised in the diets of individual sea otters, which instead showed dietary specialization in response to food shortage.

The study found that individual sea otters specialize on particular types of prey. One idea of this dietary specialization of sea otters is that some otters may be exposed to certain food-borne pathogens more frequently than otters with different diets.

Otters' preferred prey are sea urchins.

Scientists are concerned that the food shortage is limiting the sea otter population. The same situation probably existed before fur traders began hunting sea otters in the 18th century, nearly driving them to extinction. But it's not clear at this point why the sea otters aren't spreading out into other areas along the California coast to find more food.

Adopt a Sea Otter!

2008-02-01T10:48:00.001-05:00

Adopt a Sea Otter!!!

That's right, folks. For only $25, you can adopt a sea otter and receive a 10" long sea otter stuffed animal, personalized certificate of adoption, and a fun sea otter fact sheet. This is all tax-deductible and free first-class shipping.

Now, I don't mean to sound like an advertisement, but this is for a good cause. Adopt a sea otter to help support efforts to save them from hunting and habitat destruction.

Wildlife Adoption Center

You can also adopt other animals (some for only $20). It's a great Valentine's Day gift!

Save the Sea Otters!

Save the Sea Otters

2008-01-23T14:38:00.000-05:00

I have decided that my blog needs to focus on one important aspect of environmentalism, since there are so many broad and general topics to consider. And though I would love to cover them all, I think it's best that I focus on one topic and not all of them because a) much easier for you readers to follow, and b) focusing on one aspect can lead to appreciating others later. After all, there are so many environmental issues: climate change, conservation, genetic engineering, intensive farming, land degradation, etc., etc. But I am going to focus on conservation of endangered species, namely the sea otter.

Some background information on sea otters:

Largest member of the weasel family, 2nd smallest marine animal
Diet: sea urchins, abalone, mussels, clams, crabs, snails
Live in shallow coastal waters off the north Pacific
Mating season throughout the year

Sea otters used to number between several hundred thousand to more than a million. However, because of the fur trade, the sea otter numbers have decreased down to 1,000-2,000 in the early '90s! Two years ago, the population of sea otters off the coast of California is about 2,750!

Sea otters are threatened by oil spills, habitat loss, food limitation (will be emphasized in later blogs), disease, and fishing entrapment. They are currently under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

If you're filing taxes in California, you can help the sea otters by clicking the Sea Otter box on your state income tax form.

Mean Green Environmental Team

2008-01-19T14:13:00.000-05:00

The worldwide human population is currently at 6.6 billion. But guess what? That number is expected to rise to 9 billion by 2050, only 42 years away. And yes, many people are thinking: "That's 40 years away. We can make adjustments and improve the conditions of Earth before then." However, saving the planet isn't a one-day job. If we're going to improve the environment and save our future generations, we need to start now.

With each new person that comes into life, competition for resources, especially food and water, increases, and so does the lack of food and water in many parts of the world, thus making global warming increasingly harder to conquer.

NEWS:

Remember - It's Easy Being Green!