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Otters are our ocean's superheros
Otters float on their backs, crack shells with rocks, and look like they’re always hugging each other... but sea otters are more than cute—they’re ocean protectors!
Otters are our ocean's superheros
Otters float on their backs, crack shells with rocks, and look like they’re always hugging each other... but sea otters are more than cute—they’re ocean protectors!
These little mammals protect our oceans' kelp forests. They can occasionally be sighted in the San Francisco Bay area since there are many kelp forests there. However, you will have a better chance to see them near Monterrey Bay. River otters can also be spotted close by. They live in freshwater areas like Alameda creek by the Eden Landing Ecological Reserve.
What Is a Kelp Forest?
What Is a Kelp Forest?
With their large green ribbon-like "leaves", kelp forests are underwater forests made of giant seaweed. They are home to fish, crabs, sea urchins, seals, and many more sea critters. Just at the surface you can spot mini crabs hanging out! They grow along the Pacific coast—including near California!
What do Otter’s do?
What do Otter’s do?
If you were to dive down to a kelp forest's floor, you will see many purple or reddish spiky balls. These are called sea urchins and they love to eat kelp. However, if there are too many, they can destroy whole forests by chewing through the roots of kelp.
Luckily, otters love eating sea urchins! By keeping urchins in check, they give kelp a chance to grow and regenerate.
This is an example of a healthy, balanced ecosystem where different animals keep other animals in check. Without otters, urchins can take over and eat too much kelp. Once kelp disappears, many animals can lose their homes.
Otters are like forest rangers—keeping the kelp forest clean and balanced!
Why a Healthy Ecosystem Is Good for Us
Why a Healthy Ecosystem Is Good for Us
Healthy kelp forests do a lot for people, too! Kelp forests are just like the forests we have on land. They help fight climate change by absorbing carbon. And because of their strong roots, kelp protect coastlines from erosion---or when soil starts to get carried away from land due to wind and water. These forests are also home for fish that people rely on for food like rockfish. They also offer beauty, biodiversity, and ocean wonder!
Unfortunatly there are many things that can prevent otters from keeping kelp forests healthy. Sea otters were once almost gone because of fur trading. Traders would often hunt these furry creatures which led to less otters protecting kelp forests. They’re slowly coming back, but not everywhere yet. Kelp forests are still in trouble in some areas, especially where otters are missing.
What Can We Do?
There are many things you, your friends, and your parents can do to protect otters. By learn more about sea otters and marine life (by reading blogs like this post!), you can help educate yourself. You can support marine protected areas and donate money to marine mammal centers that nurse otters back to health. You can also keep beaches clean by picking up your trash and other trash you see. You can also help by keeping storm drains clean (remind your parents not to flush pesticides and trash down your house's storm drains). You can also visit a local aquarium or marine center such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monetery Bay and The Marine Mammal Center in Marin County.
Remember! Otters might be small, but their job is huge and so important. When we protect otters, we help kelp, fish, and even ourselves. That’s the power of nature working together!
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