Sea otters are keystone species of kelp forest ecosystems whose recovery from near-extinction demonstrates the power of legal protection, but wild and captive sea otter welfare face distinct ongoing challenges.
Sea otter welfare in the wild is primarily threatened by anthropogenic hazards including oil pollution and entanglement. Conservation programmes that protect coastal habitats, regulate fisheries, and respond rapidly to strandings are the primary welfare interventions. In captivity, sea otters require intensive care including enormous food budgets, skilled husbandry, and social enrichment — making them among the most resource-intensive animals in captivity. Their conservation value as keystone species gives welfare investment in both wild and captive settings significant ecological multiplier effects.