Sea otters are keystone species whose presence creates and maintains the kelp forest ecosystems that support diverse marine animal welfare at scale.
Sea otters in areas without kelp forest face food scarcity from depleted prey populations in the urchin barrens that result from their absence. The reciprocal relationship between sea otter welfare and kelp forest health means protecting otters protects the entire ecosystem community. Individual sea otters are highly intelligent, long-lived animals with complex behaviors including tool use and prolonged maternal care. Oil spill mortality represents acute welfare harm compounded by ecosystem disruption as their critical population control function is temporarily lost.