Sea otters keystone role in kelp forest ecosystems makes their welfare and conservation inseparable.
Sea otters occupy a keystone ecological role — their kelp forest ecosystems support extraordinary biodiversity that collapses without them. Individual sea otter welfare matters both intrinsically and because population size directly affects ecosystem health. Stranded otters rescued from oil spills or shark bites face intensive rehabilitation challenges, as their fur-based insulation system requires careful restoration. Human disturbance — kayakers and photographers approaching too closely — elevates stress hormones and disrupts foraging and maternal care.