Sea otters returned to a polluted California estuary in 1984; eelgrass expanded 600%, while marsh-edge erosion later slowed by 69% on average

Sea otters returned to a polluted California estuary in 1984; eelgrass expanded 600%, while marsh-edge erosion later slowed by 69% on average

Sea otters returned to California’s Elkhorn Slough in 1984 when pollution had severely affected its ecosystem. When sea otters returned to California’s Elkhorn Slough in 1984, the estuary was already facing severe environmental pressure. The coastal wetland had high nutrient levels linked to its agriculture-dominated watershed, while eelgrass had fallen to an all-time low of … Read more

Sea Otters were successfully reintroduced in Canada after their extinction due to fur trade, protecting the kelp populations; but now they are threatening a ‘local delicacy’

Sea Otters were successfully reintroduced in Canada after their extinction due to fur trade, protecting the kelp populations; but now they are threatening a 'local delicacy'

The reintroduction and success of sea otters in British Columbia was a story that initially satisfied everyone including conservationists and the natives. The adorable creatures once occupied much of Canada’s Pacific coast, before the fur trade for their exceptionally dense coats turned into a mass death sentence. But now, their population is threatening the availability … Read more