Digital Media Specialist
Model
Georgia Aquarium
River Monsters
Souther Otter Project
Southern Sea Otter
Enhydra lutris nereis
Sea otters are an essential link in the Pacific Ocean biome. They help to maintain the health of the sea kelp forests by preying on sea urchins that can destroy these forests. Sea otters help the kelp thrive and in return the kelp assists the otters from drifting down stream, when resting, by acting as a kind of tether.
Length: Approximately 4 feet (1.2 m)
Weight: Males max 65 lbs. (30kg)
Females max 45 lbs. (20.4 kg)
Diet: Sea urchin, snails, mussels, crabs, scallops, fish and octopus.
Range: Coastal areas of the northern Pacific Ocean and Southern Bering Sea.
Southern Sea Otters Need Your Help
Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) are charming, gregarious animals that can’t help but steal the hearts of many; however, they need your help. There is a great need for the conservation of southern sea otters. This animal is listed on the U.S. Endangered Species Act as “threatened” and under the Marine Mammal Protection act as “depleted.” A great deal of southern sea otter pups are found stranded in California. Sea otter pups depend on their mothers for constant care and protection during their first year of life. Unfortunately, there are major threats that sea otters face including entanglement of sea debris, agricultural runoff, parasitic issues related to improper disposal of cat litter and predation by larger animals. There is a downward trend in the number of southern sea otters in the ocean and no sign of a spike in numbers any time soon.
Here at Georgia Aquarium we are doing our part to help these fascinating animals by educating guests through exposing them to the wonders of these animals and showing guests ways that they too can help our efforts. Four of the sea otters that live here at Georgia Aquarium were found stranded as pups, but were rescued and rehabilitated. These sea otters now serve as animal ambassadors to help raise awareness for sea otter safeguarding. You can do your part by buying and eating sustainable seafood, recycling or disposing of trash in proper receptacles and spreading the word about southern sea otters.
