Warming Seas and Human Pressures Threaten California’s Sea Otters

Southern sea otters along California’s coast are facing growing challenges as climate change, ecosystem disruption and human activity strain their survival. Rising ocean temperatures have altered food webs, expanded shark ranges and degraded kelp forests that otters rely on for shelter and foraging. The collapse of key sea star species allowed purple sea urchins to overgraze kelp, forcing otters to shift their diet toward mussels, crabs and other prey.

Human disturbance, particularly in areas such as Monterey Bay and Morro Bay, further limits otters’ ability to rest and feed, placing nursing mothers and pups at greater risk. At the same time, shark attacks have increased as warmer waters draw juvenile white sharks into new habitats.

Although the southern sea otter population is estimated at around 3,000, numbers have not been formally reassessed since 2019. Scientists warn that without habitat recovery and reduced disturbance, this endangered species remains highly vulnerable despite ongoing conservation efforts.

30-12-2025