A report on the sea otter, Enhydra lutris L., in California

Wild, Paul W. and Ames, Jack A. (1974) A report on the sea otter, Enhydra lutris L., in California. Long Beach, CA, California Department of Fish and Game, (Marine Resources Technical Report, 20)

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Abstract

This report discusses in detail findings and observations of 5 years of research on the sea otter population and its relationship to the nearshore marine environment in California. Initial efforts were directed at providing some relief to the commercial abalone fishery in the Cambria - Point Estero area north of Morro Bay. This fishery has subsequently collapsed along with other commercial and sport abalone and sport crab fisheries throughout the sea otter's range due to continued sea otter foraging. Capturing, tagging and translocation studies, censusing studies, examination of sea otter remains, habitat surveys, food habits observations and studies on otters in captivity provide a broad base of information on the expanding sea otter population in California and its effects on resources utilized by man. Recommendations for sea otter management consistent with esthetic, recreational, and commercial uses of marine resources are included in this report. (95pp.)

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