Why are sea otters at risk?

Sea otters were once abundant on the coast of British Columbia, but the fur trade that began in the 1700’s greatly reduced their numbers. In 1929 the last sea otter in B.C. was shot near Kyuquot (on the west coast of Vancouver Island). Fortunately, however, remnant populations survived in Alaska.

Between 1969 and 1972, 89 sea otters from Alaska were translocated to B.C in an effort to reintroduce the species to Canadian waters. Eventually this small group began to reproduce and expand their population size. There are now about 2500 sea otters living on our coast.

Sea otters in Canada are currently listed as threatened. This means that if threats to their recovery are not addressed, they may become endangered or extinct.

What threats do sea otters face?

As sea otters move into more populated areas, interactions with humans are likely to occur. Pressures from interactions with boats, fisheries, and ecotourism could become of concern. At present, the greatest identified threat to the survival of sea otters is the risk of an oil spill.

Sea otters are very vulnerable to oil spills. They lack blubber and rely on their thick fur to keep them warm; contamination of that fur results in hypothermia and death. Also, inhalation or ingestion of petroleum products can be toxic.

Though sea otter numbers in B.C. are increasing, a single spill could devastate the population. Rafts of sea otters are currently only found in two locations: Estevan Point to Hope Island on the northwestern coast of Vancouver Island, and near the Goose Island Group on the central coast of B.C. In 1989, the Nestucca oil spill drifted from Washington State along the west coast of Vancouver Island, to the central coast of B.C. Were a spill to take this path again, it could effectively hit all sea otters in British Columbia.

What are we doing to help?

The Sea Otter Recovery Team has developed an action plan for sea otter recovery, which includes research, communications, and protection from identified and future threats. An oil spill response plan for sea otters is being developed to tie in to existing oil spill response planning and procedures.

Thanks in part to funding from the Government of Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation Program is contributing to sea otter recovery by assisting with oil spill response planning.

How can you help?

If you spot a sea otter which you believe is in distress, please contact the Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation Program at (604) 258-SEAL.

If you spot a marine oil spill in B.C., large or small, please report it right away! Call the DFO emergency line at 1-800-465-4336.

For more information…

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Species at Risk
• Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk