Sea otter recovery provides ecosystem services that indirectly benefit numerous marine species, demonstrating how keystone predator welfare connects to broader ocean health.
Sea otters face specific welfare challenges including domoic acid toxicosis from harmful algal blooms, which causes seizures and death, and sarcoptic mange that causes severe skin disease. Individual otter welfare is monitored by marine mammal centers that rehabilitate stranded animals. The ecological welfare value of otters extends beyond the individual: restored kelp forests provide food and shelter for hundreds of species whose welfare depends on ecosystem health. Protecting otters thus protects a cascade of ecosystem services benefiting the welfare of the broader marine community.