Sea Otters: A Survival Story

Sea Otters: A Survival Story is an in-depth examination of a keystone species that faced near extinction, its recovery and the impacts of humans in the story. The smallest North American marine mammal, the sea otter, became a hunting target in the 18th and 19th centuries due to the incredible insulating nature of its fur. Reduced to fewer than 2000 animals, the remnant populations made a conservation success story possible beginning in the 1960s. As it unfolded, the vital role that sea otters play as top predators in west coast ecosystems became clear.

The details of this survival story are presented in an Introduction and four chapters. The first describes the species and its habitat and how it attracted the attention of fur traders. It includes information about sea otter feeding habits, tool use and life cycle. Chapter 2 explains how the sea otter as a predator at the top of a food chain is a keystone species due mainly to its close relationships with kelp and sea urchins. With these elements of its habitat in balance, biodiversity is enhanced and other species, such as wolves, oystercatchers and gulls, all benefit. Chapter 3 focuses on ongoing studies about the extended role of sea otters with respect to complex, interconnected ecosystems—more than just kelp forests. They also create favorable conditions in salt marshes and estuaries, particularly on the California coast, impacting populations of sea stars, sea slugs and abalone. The final chapter looks at the opposite side of the story: how has the resurgence of sea otters negatively affected fisheries and indigenous communities? And how can the historical evidence of coexistence be used to advantage for the future of both sea otters and humans?

Scattered through the book, inserts titled “In the Field”, focus on additional information gleaned from specific studies of sea otter biology, e.g. population monitoring in Clayoquot Sound, diet, effects on species that coexist with the otters, recollections of First Nations Elders about sea otter absence or reintroduction to an area. Photographs (to be in full color in the final edition) are informative and well-placed. An extensive Glossary will help young readers understand the many scientific terms that occur throughout the text, some defined in context. Resources include recent print material and a few online sites. An index will be included in the final version.

Because the sea otter has had such a dramatic effect on coastal ecosystems during the course of its population fluctuations, the book gives a lot of detail about this aspect. The otter/kelp relationship in particular is complex and wide-reaching, resulting in considerable attention from scientists. Because there is a good deal to digest while reading the accounts, this is not a book to skim through quickly. It requires a thoughtful read to put the past, present and future of this keystone predator in perspective and to consider the facts in light of today’s pollution and climate change issues. However, the text is accessible with a fairly straightforward factual style that works well for the serious nature of the topic. Several instances of the label ‘fishermen’, mainly in Chapter 4, could be updated to the more current term, ‘fishers’.

There is much still to be learned from the sea otter, knowledge that may be applicable to other wildlife populations in decline. Young readers interested in species at risk and wildlife conservation will enjoy the learning experience provided by Sea Otters: A Survival Story.