Laura Anderson
It goes without saying that the world would be lost without sea otters. But why is that? Very few know about the importance of these aquatic weasels!
Sea otters, or Enhydra Lutris, are a marine animal native to the northern and eastern coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. These carnivorous beasties are classified as endangered, with only 3,000 remaining in the wild in present day. Whilst they are now protected by their law, they were previously hunted for their valuable coats. Their remarkable pelts are the thickest of any animal; clean and waterproof with a thick underfur layer to trap air and keep warm in the icy waters.
Spending most of their time in the ocean, they float on their backs and have learned to entangle themselves in giant seaweed to prevent them from drifting away whilst they sleep! Not only that, but these clever weasels have learned how to open clams and mussels by using rocks; they place the stone on their chest and astutely smash the shellfish against it. Other creatures which make up this animal’s diet include sea urchins, crabs, octopuses, squids and fish.
So why are these critters so important? Sea otters are a keystone species - an organism that has a great impact on its natural environment. These otters live in the kelp forests of the sea and play a vital role in keeping the ecosystem healthy. As a predator of sea urchins, these otters ensure that the population keeps at bay. If they didn’t, the sudden surge in sea urchins would endanger the kelp forests. These spiky scoundrels can destroy entire forests of kelp, leaving nothing behind but rocks and sand. This relationship between the otters and kelp is known as a symbiotic relationship, and is crucially important in keeping the kelp forests alive and thriving.
But why are kelp forests important? Kelp is an algae seaweed, able to grow to a height over 50m. In areas of high density, the algae forms a kelp forest. These forests play a pivotal role in maintaining marine biodiversity; known for having the greatest variety and density of both plants and animals that any other ocean community. All sorts of creatures live in these forests: from fish, to sea lions, seals, grey whales, invertebrates and even birds!
Similar to sea otters, kelp are known as a foundational species - a species with a major role in the structuring of a community. They’re not only the largest species of marine algae, but also one of the ocean’s largest providers of food, nursery areas and storm shelters! On top of all of that, they also play a part in reducing the effects of climate change; by absorbing CO2 they decrease the acidification of the sea - making a better environment for everyone!
So, as you can see, it goes without saying that sea otters are our guardians of the sea! Protecting our beautiful kelp forests and securing the lives of hundreds of other marine critters! It's about time we started showing them our thanks!
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