Sea Otter Awareness Week

September 20 – 26, 2026

Annually, throughout the last full week of September, we celebrate sea otters during Sea Otter Awareness Week. We encourage zoological and educational institutions, governmental agencies and communities to plan and undertake events that highlight sea otters. These activities include sharing stories, disseminating science and generating media that inspire a deeper awareness of these unique marine mammals, their ecological importance and the many challenges they face.

Sea Otter Awareness Week is organized and sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife, Sea Otter Savvy, California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Elakha Alliance, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

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2026 Theme: Rooted in Resilience

For Sea Otter Awareness Week 2026, we celebrate the deep connections among sea otters, kelp forests and the natural communities that depend on healthy oceans. Just as the roots and rhizomes of eelgrass beds and the holdfasts of kelp grip coastal substrates, true resilience begins with durable attachments.

The interrelationships between sea otters, their habitats, other wildlife and people create resilient networks that can adapt, recover and thrive amid change. Sea otters have demonstrated a remarkable ability to support the diversity and biomass of kelp and estuarine ecosystems; however, building resilience for sea otters and coastlines in today’s world takes a cohesive effort. This includes enforcing protections, advancing research, increasing awareness and nurturing coexistence. It could also involve conversing with local communities about reintroducing sea otters to areas where they have remained absent since the maritime fur trade hunted them to regional extinction. Reestablishing the sea otter’s keystone role in nearshore environments will likely reinforce the hardiness of those systems while aiding the species’ recovery.

Resilience is also about people. Wildlife conservation requires long-term adaptability, collaboration and persistence. Generating opportunities for dialogue about coastal renovation, including potential sea otter reintroduction, will cultivate informed human communities that can navigate change. Restoring healthy ecosystems through open participation among people and nature-based solutions—with an emphasis on sea otters, of course!—will require a sophisticated, steadfast, integrated approach…one firmly rooted in resilience.

Logo designed by Heather Barrett

Calendar of Events

Bodega Bay, CA

Sea Otters Were Here: Coastal Ecology Pop-Up at Doran Beach

The 4th annual Doran Beach event will include a sea otter sandcastle contest and interactive booths from local science organizations, businesses, and community groups. This family-friendly event will share the history of sea otters in northern California and their connection to resilient coastal ecosystems. (Note: $7 parking fee.)

Sausalito, CA

Marine Science Sunday: Sea Otter Spectacular

Host: The Marine Mammal Center | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM PDT

Otters are an amazing keystone species that help to keep our ocean healthy. The Marine Mammal Center celebrates how far this marine mammal has come, from being hunted extensively for their luxurious fur to the work the Center does to help bring them back from the brink of extinction. Reserve a spot for one of these 30-minute multimedia presentations and tours. A local artist will join this event, bringing art education to Marine Science Sunday. Adorable otter content guaranteed!

Reserve Tickets

Portland, OR

Drag Bingo Benefit for Elakha Alliance

Host: Elakha Alliance | Featuring Breakside Brewery (Slabtown) and Nicole Onoscopi Drag Queen

Come join us at Breakside Slabtown for a special Drag Bingo Benefit night for the Elakha Alliance and an early celebration of Sea Otter Awareness Week. You can pick up bingo cards for $5 each, so bring your cash or debit/credit cards. This event will also feature the electric Drag Queen Nicole Onoscopi, so you won't want to miss out on this entertaining evening full of sea otter fun facts, bingo, and more!

Portland, OR

Sea Otter Viewing Station at Oregon Zoo

For Sea Otter Awareness Week, the Elakha Alliance has designated a sea otter viewing station at the Oregon Zoo to kick off Sea Otter Awareness Week. Stop by our viewing station next to the sea otter exhibit and meet with an Elakha representative to learn the history of sea otters in Oregon and the critical reasons they should return to their native waters. We will also have sea otter artwork for sale!

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Berkeley, CA

Sea Otters and Their Cultural Significance to the Ohlone Peoples

Host: The Lawrence Hall of Science | Featuring Sea Otter Savvy and Cafe Ohlone

Join Vincent Medina and Louis Trevino with Cafe Ohlone, along with Heather Barrett from Sea Otter Savvy, in preparation for Sea Otter Awareness Week at The Lawrence Hall of Science. Sea otters were hunted to near extinction during the maritime fur trade, and despite conservation efforts, the southern sea otter is still missing from Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay. Sea otters play a vital role in Ohlone culture—come learn about sea otters, listen to stories about Ohlone culture, discover the sea otter’s significance to the Ohlone people, and learn more about how you can help promote species recovery and coexistence.

Sea Otter Resilience Recharge Raft

Host: Wildlife Conservation Network’s Sea Otter Fund

It’s normal at times to feel tired, discouraged, or even heartbroken by the challenges we face. For all of you who love sea otters, Dr. Jen Miller, Senior Manager of the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Sea Otter Fund and a certified meditation teacher, has recorded a gentle 15-minute guided visualization. This practice offers a moment to reconnect with sea otters, reflect on the difference each of us is making, and draw strength from the wider community working to protect wildlife. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and ready to rejoin the raft. Return to this recording whenever you need a resilience recharge!

Recording available throughout Sea Otter Awareness Week (Link coming soon!)

Please fill out Sea Otter Savvy’s online survey, which seeks public input on sea otter reintroduction and recovery.

Survey