Threatened : the controversial struggle of the southern sea otter

2016

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Summary

Southern Sea Otters are once again in peril, after having being brought back from the brink of extinction. Threatened investigates the history and potential causes for the otter’s decline, as well as the controversy over how best to protect the otter population. An unprecedented number of sea otter deaths have occurred along the California coast in the last few years. Like crime scene detectives, a team of scientists is anxiously searching for the causes of the mysterious deaths. But not everyone believes in the value of supporting a thriving sea otter population. Otters are at the center of a bitter controversy regarding the Fish & Wildlife Services decision to eliminate their "No Otter Zone" from Southern California waters. For 25 years, this imaginary line in the ocean was designed to protect the interests of the commercial shellfish industry and its removal has angered fishermen. As Threatened shows, the plight of sea otters has far reaching implications. If otters are struggling, it's an indication of larger ecological concerns, concerns that also have a direct impact on humans. For a fragile species threatened by pollution, infectious diseases, starvation, and competition with fishermen, this is a crucial time for the Southern Sea Otter as they struggle for survival.