Survey Reveals Southern Sea Otter Population Decline

The southern sea otter population dropped in the last year, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 2017 spring survey published Friday. The results are especially alarming following an overall positive growth through 2016, which culminated in a population size that – if maintained for three consecutive years – could have led to southern sea otters being delisted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) noted only a 3 percent decline in sea otter numbers, their statement fails to tell the whole story. The FWS was correct in that the three-year average reflects only a 3 percent decline, but they did not note that the raw numbers of sea otters counted during the spring survey declined by 927 sea otters between the mainland and San Nicolas Island – an over 25 percent decline from the raw numbers of sea otters counted last year.

Friends of the Sea Otter issued this statement:

“This dramatic decline in the sea otter population raw count calls into question our optimism over the potential recovery of this species, and is a wake-up call to redouble our efforts to understand this downward trend and to save these important and beautiful creatures."

Emily Burke, California program assistant for Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:

“As go sea otters, so goes our nearshore marine ecosystem. This staggering decline in their population after years of growth is concerning, and signals that it is too early to declare the sea otter fully recovered.”