Southern sea otters play a critical role as a keystone species, which means they have a profound positive impact on the nearshore ecosystems in which they live. For example, by consuming sea urchins, sea otters help keep urchin populations in balance; in turn, the kelp forests flourish. For kelp forests, sea urchins and sea otters to thrive in their highly interconnected ecosystem, they must coexist with another species that has a profound impact on others: humans. Check out our storymap to learn more about how to properly coexist with these remarkable critters and to take a tour of the special places that play a part in the past, present and future recovery of California’s sea otters.
