Sept. 24, 2013—Has Sea Otter Awareness Week caught you unawares? Us too. We're sad to report we missed one of the coolest events on tap—Sunday's cruise through Elkhorn Slough, prime sea otter viewing territory, brought to you by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. But there's more good stuff to come! We'll list that below.
First, though, a quick primer on what's new with the furry little fellers. In August, a study on sea otters in Elkhorn Slough found they are helping to save the eelgrass there, a critical native plant that helps keep algae at bay, by keeping in check the critters that dine on the eelgrass. Studies in Elkhorn Slough continue; about a week ago scientists implanted radio transmitters in the bellies of 20 sea otters as part of a three-year study of the Elkhorn Slough otters.
Yeah, yeah, you say—but isn't there a Sea Otter Cam somewhere? Well, yes, actually. Thank the folks at Elkhorn Slough Foundation for that. It went live earlier this month.
Read Surprise! Sea Otters Save Eelgrass
Read a natural history of Sea Otters
Read Elkhorn Slough Safari
One more newsy bit, and then the events you are waiting so patiently for. A recent article in the Santa Barbara Independent takes a look at sea otters south of Point Conception. The animals have been spreading southward from their Monterey Bay/Big Sur stronghold and are now taking up residence in the Santa Barbara Channel for the first time in centuries. (In December 2012 the strange "no-otter zone" south of Point Conception was officially declared a failure. Fishermen, who pushed for the zone in the '80s out of fear that the otters would gobble up all the shellfish, sued U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in July hoping to reinstate the ban.) Researchers say it is natural and necessary for otters to extend their range southward as they approach healthier numbers. The California sea otter population in 2013 is figured at 2,941; the species must reach 3,090 to be considered safe and be de-listed. The population has stagnated in recent years.
Sea Otter Awareness Week Events
Can't get enough cute 'n' furry? Here's your chance to soak it all in.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, hear UC-Davis associate professor Dr. Woutrina Miller on "Sea Otters: Sassy Sentinels or Vivacious Victims?" She'll give an overview of sea otter research. 7pm.
Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Seymour Center, Max Tarjan of UCSC's Tinker-Estes Lab (named for two leading sea otter researchers) asks, "What makes a sexy sea otter?" Given tales of sea otters molesting young sea lions, this is an interesting topic generally. Tarjan will find out why females prefer the males that guard certain territories. 7pm.
Friday, Sept. 27 back at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Dr. Jim Estes himself will discuss why, after decades of slow recovery, the sea otter population stopped increasing "and has remained essentially stationary for well over a decade." The Friends of the Sea Otter's annual meeting includes an appearance by Congressman Sam Farr. 7pm.
Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, it's Science Saturday, a free family event. From 11am-3pm, drop by for hands-on learning and crafts.
Otter Fun Facts
Male otters can weigh up to 100 pounds
Otters somersault to trap air bubbles in their fur, which adds a bit of extra insulation
Washington, Canada and Alaska have between 65,000 and 78,000 sea otters. Russia has about 15,000.
Otters can move their whiskers individually, which helps them find prey
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