Scientists Report Drop In California Sea Otter Population

For the second year in a row, the 2009 census by the U.S. Geological Survey shows that the California sea otter population has declined. The most recent population estimates show a marked improvement from the 1911 estimate, when international law first put an end to hunting for otters, however the latest figure is 3.8% below the 2008 population estimate.

According to the 2009 census, 2,654 otters live along the California Central Coast, which represents a 3.8% decline from the previous year’s estimate. Researchers believe this decline is due to increased disease and immunity problems traced to ocean pollutants like DDT, a lack of food, and changes in their environment.

California sea otter populations declined in the late 1990s as well, for unknown reasons. This census was conducted in May 2009 and covered 375 miles of California coastline. The animals were found primarily along the Monterey Bay and Big Sur.