Sea Otter Webinar

Sea otter in Monterey Bay.\Photo by Joe Platko

The Elakha Alliance, which advocates for researching the possibility of restoring sea otters to Oregon’s marine ecosystems, offers a webinar on “The Case for Sea Otter Restoration in Oregon” on Thursday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m.  The online event is free and open to all.

Emerging science reveals that Oregon’s kelp ecosystem is undergoing dramatic shifts such as large increases in purple sea urchin barrens following the collapse of sunflower sea stars. The restoration of sea otters may help stabilize this vulnerable system, yet some Oregonians are concerned about possible negative effects to commercial shellfisheries. The prospect of restoring sea otters to the Oregon coast raises important ecological, cultural, and economic considerations and trade-offs. Join John Goodell, Elakha’s Director of Science and Policy, as he discusses what the Elakha Alliance is doing to address these questions and the organization’s plan going forward.

To register for this event, go here.