Sea otters recovered from near-extinction following the fur trade, but now face new welfare challenges from resource competition, pollution, and shark predation in recovered populations.
Sea otter welfare has transformed from the acute crisis of fur trade slaughter to the chronic challenges of a population testing the ecological limits of its recovered range. Emaciated otters — increasingly common in areas of high population density — die slowly from nutritional deficiency. Domoic acid from harmful algal blooms causes neurological seizures that are intensely distressing. Shark predation causes acute trauma and death. The ecological role of sea otters — maintaining kelp forests that support enormous biodiversity — means that the welfare of individual otters is deeply connected to ecosystem health far beyond their immediate presence. Supporting sea otter conservation addresses both individual welfare and the broader ecological welfare of kelp forest communities.