Sea Otter Awareness Week, observed annually from September 21-27, 2025, highlights the critical role sea otters play in marine ecosystems. This year's theme, "Anchored in Hope," emphasizes the optimism surrounding the restoration of these vital marine mammals and the habitats they support.
Sea otters are recognized as a keystone species, meaning their presence significantly influences the overall health and biodiversity of their environment. They are particularly crucial for the flourishing of kelp forests, which serve as vibrant underwater habitats. Without sea otters, sea urchin populations can proliferate and decimate kelp forests. These kelp forests are essential for sequestering carbon dioxide, thereby aiding in climate regulation.
Historically, sea otter populations spanned the North Pacific from Japan to Mexico. However, extensive commercial hunting for their fur in the 19th century drastically reduced their numbers, pushing them to the brink of extinction, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining by 1911. Conservation efforts throughout the 20th century, including protection under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, have facilitated some recovery.
Organizations such as Defenders of Wildlife, Sea Otter Savvy, the Elakha Alliance, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are at the forefront of conservation initiatives. Events planned for Sea Otter Awareness Week include educational programs, viewing stations with naturalists, and virtual presentations. The Oregon Zoo and the Oregon Coast Aquarium are hosting events, and virtual webinars are being offered to discuss conservation strategies.
Despite conservation efforts, threats such as oil spills, entanglement in fishing gear, pollution, disease, and habitat degradation continue to impact sea otter populations. A parasite carried in cat feces, Toxoplasma gondii, also poses a significant threat, particularly to juvenile sea otters.
The return of sea otters to areas where they have been absent for centuries is viewed as a significant strategy for restoring coastal ecosystems, underscoring their role as vital ecological engineers.