Southern Sea Otter Population

365 Words1 Page

The southern sea otter population is not increasing as quickly as scientist predicted because there are many variables which are affecting their rate of birth. If an oil spill happens to occur it would endanger the sea otters and threaten the kelp forest. According to the website "defenders.org", it states "When sea otters come into contact with oil, it causes their fur to mat, which prevents it from insulating their body" (www.defenders.org/sea-otter/threats). The sea otters would die and not be able to grow more in population. Often, every 3 years or so the population would increase but not by much. The "Monterey Bay Aquarium" data sheet states "In 2007 there were 2,818 total sea otters, in 2010 it decreased by 107 sea otters, in 2013

Open Document