Sure, sea otters are cute and fuzzy, but these charismatic marine mammals are also the key to helping near shore waters stay healthy and full of life. Munching on mussels, urchins, clams, crabs and more, a sea otter can eat almost a quarter of its body weight in a single day. Their ferocious appetites keep smaller sea animals’ populations in check, promoting healthy kelp forests and diverse marine life.
In fact, they’re so important that Defenders, California and a slew of cities across the world will spend a week (Sept. 26 to Oct. 2) celebrating sea otters through educational activities, events, lectures and more during the eighth-annual Sea Otter Awareness Week.
Every year ocean explorer, Philippe Cousteau (grandson of the legendary Jacques Cousteau) helps Defenders spread the word about threats to these imperiled animals. This year he’s at it again, helping Defenders launch a new TV campaign in California. Stay tuned for the premier of Philippe’s latest public service announcement, but ‘til then, here’s a short clip to help you get your cute sea otter fix.
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