Since 1982, a standardized method has been deployed to survey the sea otter population in California. The survey records the total otter numbers, the number of dependent pups, and the number of independents (adults and subadults), observed. Facts about California Sea Otters. The sluggish recovery of the southern sea otter of California, a threatened population on the Endangered Species list, appears to have stalled once again. For best results viewing and printing PDF documents, it is recommended that you download SANTA CRUZ, Calif.— Southern sea otter numbers have declined off the coast of California since their most recent high in 2016. For 2014, USGS reports the population index as 2,944 (data available online). Fish and Wildlife Service and Monterey Bay Aquarium with the help of experienced volunteers, cover about 375 miles of California coast, from Half Moon Bay south to Santa Barbara. Note: The Spring Survey 3–year running average is the metric the U.S. According to data just released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the three-year average population index this year dropped to 2,962, which is 166 sea otters fewer than the 2018 survey. An estimate of otter population size in Alaska was 98,780 among the three populations in 2013 (USFWS, 2013) with observed annual growth rates in some areas reaching 16–20% (Bodkin et al., 1999; Estes, 1990). This population index is what is reported to the U.S. WERC's sea otter researchers are developing and utilizing a variety of methodological and analytical tools to understand the causes of biological and ecological trends in sea otter populations, and to predict the ecological consequences of management practices on these populations and their ecosystems. To reduce the influence of anomalously high or low counts during any particular year, three-year running averages -- commonly called a "population index" -- of the survey results are also used to assess whether the population is growing or declining. California Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) Census Results, Spring 2019 By Brian B. Hatfield, Julie L. Yee, Michael C. Kenner, and Joseph A. Tomoleoni Abstract The 2019 census of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), also known as California sea otters, was conducted from early May to early July along the mainland coast of Fish and Wildlife Service. According to data released Friday by the U.S. Geological Survey and partners, the three-year average of the total counts of southern sea otters was down from last year’s high, although it still exceeded the U.S. The California Sea Otter Stranding Network is part of the USGS effort to monitor southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) and provide data to the U.S. WERC's sea otter team works with multiple institutions and partners to report, recover, and examine stranded sea otters. Yet despite an overall increase in sea otter abundance, sharks have been “taking a bite” out of the portion of the population that could fuel expansion into new areas. Click here to learn more. Sea otter habitat is considered to extend offshore from the mean low tide line and out to the 60m isobath: this depth range includes over 99% of sea otter feeding dives, based on dive-depth data from radio tagged sea otters (Tinker et al 2006, 2007). browser may not display or print as intended. Capture locations for the 1980s sea otter population study.....48 Figure 15. Below are news stories associated with this project. Historically there were about 16,000 southern sea otters, commonly known as California sea otters, that lived from Oregon to Baja, Mexico. This graph shows the southern sea otter population trend since 1985, based on the annual data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey. WERC scientists conduct annual population surveys of the southern sea otter, a federally listed threatened species. The spring 2019 mainland sea otter count began on May 1 and was completed by July 9. In addition, instructions on how to report a stranded sea otter are included in this webpage... CALIFORNIA SEA OTTER POPULATION ANNUAL SURVEY DATA (data on ScienceBase). Fish and Wildlife Service, and contributes to our understanding of sea otters and nearshore ecosystem health from California to Alaska. Fish and Wildlife Service. We work with state, federal, and local partners throughout the species’ range, utilitizing tools and expertise from ecology, chemistry, geography and other disciplines. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Download Annual Survey Data from 1985 - present (ScienceBase), Population Biology and Behavior of Sea Otters, Annual Southern Sea Otter Survey: Despite Small Population Dip, Species Moves a Step Closer to Recovery, Sea Otter Survey Encouraging, but Comes Up Short of the “Perfect Story”, Numbers Encouraging, but Shark Bites Still Problematic for Sea Otter Recovery, Slowly Swimming Towards Recovery, California’s Sea Otter Numbers Holding Steady, Recovery Slows for California’s Sea Otters, 2012 Survey Shows, Weather Conditions Prevent California Sea Otter Annual Population Survey, California Sea Otters: Population Recovery Continues at Slower Rate. Spring survey results are used as an indicator of the population trend of California sea otters. Likewise, California’s sea otter numbers are holding steady against the many forces pushing against their population recovery, according to the latest field survey led by federal, state, aquarium, and university scientists. For southern sea otters to be considered for removal from threatened species listing, the population index would have to exceed 3,090 for three consecutive years, according to the threshold established under the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan by the U.S. … Click on the links below to explore other sea otter research projects conducted by WERC scientists and partners. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sea otters along the mainland were surveyed from Pillar Point in San Mateo County in the north, to Rincon Point in the south at the Santa Barbara/Ventura County line (fig. Since the 1980s, U.S. Geological Survey scientists have calculated a population index each year for the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), a species federally listed as threatened. How do sea otters impact near-shore marine food webs? ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. During the California Sea Otter Translocation Program Methodology Conclusions & Discussion ... contributed to the unsuccessful recovery efforts of the translocated population. The 1914 data point is uncertain al- Scientists were unable to complete this year’s survey of the California sea otter (also known as the southern sea otter) population due to heavy fog, poor visibility, and strong winds throughout the spring and summer. Once hunted to the brink of extinction for their luxuriant pelts, California sea otters rebounded after protections were put in place in 1911. Population Historically, sea otters numbered between 150,000 and 300,000 animals throughout the Pacific Rim. Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format California’s southern sea otter has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1977. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan recommends using to assess the sea otter population status, thus reducing the influence of anomalously high or low counts from any particular year (USFWS, 2003). ... in otter numbers. What are the consequences of the rapid sea otter decline in the Aleutian Islands? What clues does the sea otter's decline hold for our knowledge of ecosystem and global change? No single year's survey result is indicative of a population change, however. Hatfield, B.B., Yee, J.L., Kenner, M.C., and Tomoleoni, J.A., 2019, California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) census results, spring 2019: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 1118, 12 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1118. U.S. Geological Survey scientists say the latest 3-year average (2,813 sea otters) was 0.5 percent lower than last year, the first time the trend has been negative since the late 1990s. Overall viewing conditions this year were very good, better than those encountered during the 2018 spring census (View Score = 3.0 this year compared to 2.4 last year, where 0=poor, 1=fair, 2=good, 3=very good, and 4=excellent). But they were hunted relentlessly in … A CDFW scientist using a telescope to search for sea otters. A lock ( Hughes overlaid the captain’s sea otter counts with historical seagrass coverage data and realised the two graphs were almost perfectly in sync. the documents to your computer and open them with Adobe Reader. Two-person teams use binoculars and spotting scopes to count individuals from accessible stretches of coastline and from fixed-wing aircraft in the remaining areas. An official website of the United States government. WERC scientists conducting long-term research in California and Alaska seek to answer complex ecological questions. Population status of California sea otters. PDF documents opened from your 2003 2500 1500 .3 2 U 1000 a 3 Q 0 500 0 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 Year Figure I. Abundance of California sea otter population from 1911 through 1999. Sea otters are crucial indicators of the health of our nearshore waters and coastal resources, from kelp forests to fisheries. NO. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1118, Explore recent publications by USGS authors, Browse all of Pubs Warehouse by publication type and year, Descriptions of US Geological Survey Report Series. ... 1994 Data Value (pixels) 2010 Data Value (pixels) 1994-2010 Change (pixels) % Abstract: The GIS shapefile "Range extent of southern sea otters 2017" is a simple polyline representing the geographic distribution of the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) in mainland California, based on data collected during the spring 2017 range-wide census. SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The recovery of southern sea otters appears to have taken an upturn, according to results from the annual California sea otter survey released by the U.S. Geological Survey today. According to data released Friday by the U.S. Geological Survey, there were 3,186 southern sea otters paddling the Pacific off California. For southern sea otters to be considered for removal from threatened species listing, the population index would have to exceed 3,090 for three consecutive years, according to the threshold established under the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan by the U.S. California Sea Otter Census Results 3 California Sea Otter Census Results Range-Wide Summary The Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s delisting threshold for a second straight year. Geological Survey3020 State University Drive EastSacramento, California 95819. More information Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge. SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The southern sea otter population continues its pattern of tepid recovery, according to the latest population survey led by U.S. Geological Survey, California Department of Fish and Game Office of Spill Prevention and Response and Monterey Bay Aquarium scientists. Southern sea otters, also called California sea otters, live in waters along the California coastline, ranging from San Mateo County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south. The counts made from shore are plotted on maps and then entered into a spatial database. United States. (PDF). 1. Data from 1982 onward are counts made during annual spring surveys.Earlier data from counts and estimates using a variety of methods. Two-person teams use binoculars and spotting scopes to count individuals (Public domain.). WERC collaborates with other research scientists to conduct annual population surveys of the southern sea otter -- a federally listed threatened species. No data point selected. Sea otter research by scientists at the Santa Cruz Field Station of the USGS Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) focuses on this smallest marine mammal’s population biology and its role as a keystone species in the nearshore marine community. Currently the southern sea otter population is estimated at just above 3,000 animals. 3020 State University Drive East Sacramento, California 95819 The southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population at San Nicolas Island, California, has been monitored annually since the translocation of 140 sea otters to the island was completed in 1990. A separate ground-based survey of the sea otter population at San Nicolas Island was completed earlier (April 15–18). about viewing, downloading, and printing report files can be found here. They eat about 25% of their body weigh each day to keep their metabolism high. Survey procedures involve counting animals during the "spring survey" -- generally beginning in April and wrapping in June, depending on weather conditions. Diet: Mating: Sea Otters eat Urchins, abalone, Mussels, Clams, Crabs, snails and about 40 other marine Species. Data Series A standardized method to survey sea otters was developed by WERC scientists and put into use in 1982 in California. Sea otters play a vital role in the health and stability of the nearshore marine ecosystem as a keystone species The 2012 data suggests that California’s sea otter population is continuing its pattern of tepid recovery. ... Data collection on movement patterns, activity budgets and foraging behavior/diet is collected and all data are entered immediately into the wild sea otter database (WSOD). Interns & Volunteers. Some geographic areas might be reaching equilibrium density for sea otters, while other outlying geographic areas are seeing a rise in otter numbers. Fish and Wildlife Service have decided to cancel this year's annual rangewide southern sea otter census. Why is California’s threatened sea otter population growing so slowly? Existing data on the dynamics and demography of the population were synthesized. The information gathered will be used by federal and state wildlife agencies in making decisions about the management of this sea mammal. These data, in conjunction with findings from several more in-depth studies provide the necessary information to assess female reproductive rates and changes in reproductive success of the California sea otter population through time. According to data just released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the three-year average population index this year dropped to 2,962, 166 sea otters fewer than the 2018 survey. Director, Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. California sea otters (5.0%; Riedman and Estes 1990), and reoccupied the full extent of their historical ranges. WERC's sea otter team and U.S. and Canadian researchers have teamed together to investigate. The historic population of California sea otters was estimated at 16,000 before the fur trade decimated the population, leading to their assumed extinction. In fact, a new study released today concludes that California could more than triple its population of southern sea otters, from an estimated 3,000 to nearly 10,000, by repopulating the largest estuary on the coast—the San Francisco Bay. NOTICE: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the USGS and partners at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the U.S. SANTA CRUZ, California — The southern sea otter, Enhydra lutris nereis, continues its climb toward recovery, according to the annual count released today by the U.S. Geological Survey and partners. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The surveys, conducted cooperatively by scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. The spring surveys have traditionally been used to assess population status because they are both consistently higher … 19. When sea otters want to rest, they wrap a piece of kelp around their body to hold themselves steady among the rolling waves. Monitoring efforts have varied in frequency and type across years. Although the California sea otter population is declining, the geographic range of the population continues to expand both to the north and south. By 1976 the population contained an estimated 1,789 individuals, but then declined to 1,443 by 1979 and to 1,372 by 1984. Capture locations for sea otters for the current sub-populations.....48 Figure 14. The range-wide index, defined as the 3-year average of combined counts from the mainland range and San Nicolas Island, was 2,962, a decrease of 166 sea otters from the index for the previous year. Sea otter habitat is considered to extend offshore from the mean low tide line and out to the 60m isobath: this depth range includes over 99% of sea otter feeding dives, based on dive-depth data from radio tagged sea otters (Tinker et al 2006, 2007). For southern sea otters to be considered for removal from threatened species listing, the population index would have to exceed 3,090 for three consecutive years, according to the threshold established under the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan by the U.S. Factors that can influence the count include viewing conditions, abundance and species composition of surface canopy kelp, observer experience, and distribution and movements of the animals. Population Data Sources California Sea Otter Population By: Danny Hamilton. The aerial counts are entered directly into a geographic information system-linked database in the aircraft. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003) recommends using the 3-year running average of total counts as the official metric for monitoring trends, thereby reducing the influence of anomalously high The southern sea otter of California, a threatened population on the Endangered Species list, continues to recover, but the rate of recovery appears to have slowed. Santa Cruz, Calif. – After a decade of steady recovery, the southern sea otter — a federally listed threatened species — is in decline for the second year in a row, according to the latest population survey by U.S. Geological Survey researchers. The main objective of the study was to develop a simulation model to facilitate analysis of the risk of oil spills to the threatened California sea otter population. Population abundance of the California sea otter has steadily increased through the twentieth century, except for two periods. In coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game and other institutions, ongoing surveys and research continues to inform the southern sea otter recovery plan for the U.S. LockA locked padlock Below are other science projects associated with this project. VOL. Official websites use .gov In addition, the sea otter population size, density, and trajectory are all much greater in Alaska relative to California. Sea Otter Facts. 1). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS OSTI.GOV Technical Report: Population status of California sea otters. The spread of the California sea otter population provides excellent material for studying the spread of an invading species because the data are not confounded by spread in multiple spatial dimensions. California’s Sea Otter Numbers Continue Slow Climb. CALIFORNIA SEA OTTER POPULATION ANNUAL SURVEY – survey history and methodology. 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