Letter: We need to support initiatives to reintroduce sea otters

According to new research, our oceans are struggling. The study, in part published by Oregon State University researchers, reveals that the world’s largest marine protected areas (MPAs) are not delivering the biodiversity benefits they could. This is due to slow implementation of management strategies and failure to restrict impactful human activities.

Many MPAs allow activities like oil and gas exploration and industrial fishing, which undermine conservation efforts. One-quarter of these areas lack implemented management plans, making it like these areas were unprotected.

One purpose of MPA’s is to build up ocean and coastal resiliency and if they aren’t properly protected, they often fall short of this. Fortunately, there are other ways to build ocean resiliency and that’s why in Oregon, we should bring back sea otters. Our kelp forests, once abundant and diverse, have suffered greatly in the absence of sea otters, which were hunted to extinction over a century ago. The unchecked growth of purple urchins has devastated these important habitats, turning flourishing kelp forests into barren wastelands. We are losing the biodiversity and resilience of our kelp forests which is a big problem but sea otters can help bring them back.

To combat this, we must support initiatives to reintroduce sea otters to Oregon’s coast. Engaging coastal communities, youth, and the general public in these efforts is essential. With public favor for bringing back sea otters, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can move forward with reintroduction plans. Reintroducing native species like sea otters could improve ocean resiliency, revive our kelp forests, and ensure a healthier, more biodiverse future for Oregon’s coastal waters.

Madeline Boyle

Portland