Recovery Plans Already in Place
There are a variety of initiatives already underway which try to improve the sea otter population, and limit human induced death. Since 1977, surveys of sea otter populations have been carried out, and recently, a standardized method of surveying was introduced so that population estimates are as accurate as possible. In addition, scientists have undertaken the project of examining the health of the sea otter population. By live capturing an individual, and preforming blood and genetic tests, they can identify the genetic origin and contaminant exposure (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2013).
The oil spill response was introduced in 1995; however it is not specific to sea otters, rather the treatment of oil spills in general. In response to this, the Canadian Sea Otter Recovery Team formed an oil response plan specifically for the sea otter, and implemented it in 2004 (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2013).
In 2010, the Government of Canada launched a recovery plan with the goal of reaching a population size where even a catastrophic event would not severely diminish or even extirpate the sea otter population. To see this happen, they have set out objectives for the recovery plan:
The oil spill response was introduced in 1995; however it is not specific to sea otters, rather the treatment of oil spills in general. In response to this, the Canadian Sea Otter Recovery Team formed an oil response plan specifically for the sea otter, and implemented it in 2004 (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2013).
In 2010, the Government of Canada launched a recovery plan with the goal of reaching a population size where even a catastrophic event would not severely diminish or even extirpate the sea otter population. To see this happen, they have set out objectives for the recovery plan:
- To see the geographical range of the sea otter expand beyond the current range, so that a catastrophe such as an oil spill would only effect the population for a short period of time.
- To see the number of individuals to correspondingly increase as the geographic range increases.
- Identify and mitigate threats to sea otters and their habitats, aiding the recovery of the population.
- They will continually research threat clarification, which will identify the most prevalent threats to the population at any given time.
- They will also continually assess the population including surveys and distribution charts, which will help them to accurately estimate the populations carrying capacity.
- The Government plans to protect the otters by immediately responding to oil spills according to the plan devised by the Sea Otter Recovery Team (SORT).
- Respond to issues as they arise such as an increase in death due to environmental contaminants.
- Did the geographic population continually expand?
- Did the number of sea otters increase proportionally to the increase in geographic range?
- Were the threats identified and addressed in the most effective way possible to mitigate threats and provide continued recovery?
My SORT (Sea Otter Recovery Plan)
To supplement the plan set aside by the Canadian Government, there are a few initiatives that I would like to see take place in order to better protect the sea otter population in the immediate future and long term.
I would firstly create more specific approaches to improving the sea otter population. Because I found the measures and approaches set out by the government very vague, I would propose that detailed plans be made and specific measures of success be outlined.
One of the approaches I would use would be to impose sanctions on fishing within coastal communities. By decreasing the amount of fishing nets being dragged through the coast line, there would be less sea otters caught and drowned in these nets. I would also monitor all current fisheries, and identify any areas where there are repeated instances of sea otter death due to fishing nets. The area could then be investigated, and the appropriate response can be taken to ensure the safety of the sea otter, but also the viability of the fishing business.
Secondly, I would impose further restrictions on the transport of oil along the coast line. Firstly, I would force all large ships carrying oil up or down the coast to travel miles away from shore rather than fairly close to the coast line. By protecting the coastal environments, thousands of species would benefit because the area has a more diverse population, and is delicate compared to the middle of the ocean.
If the sea otter population was not expanding and reclaiming its lost habitat, I would consider relocation again. This would ensure that there were small communities in all of the habitats that they once occupied, and would very quick growth due to an abundance of resources in these untapped environments.
Finally, I would encourage all countries involved in the original Fur Seal treaty in 1911 to collaborate on another treaty which would combine efforts of all the nations to protect these animals. By having all these countries sign the treaty, there would be consistent work being done all along the coastline to ensure that the sea otter population was rehabilitated to a stable population.
I would firstly create more specific approaches to improving the sea otter population. Because I found the measures and approaches set out by the government very vague, I would propose that detailed plans be made and specific measures of success be outlined.
One of the approaches I would use would be to impose sanctions on fishing within coastal communities. By decreasing the amount of fishing nets being dragged through the coast line, there would be less sea otters caught and drowned in these nets. I would also monitor all current fisheries, and identify any areas where there are repeated instances of sea otter death due to fishing nets. The area could then be investigated, and the appropriate response can be taken to ensure the safety of the sea otter, but also the viability of the fishing business.
Secondly, I would impose further restrictions on the transport of oil along the coast line. Firstly, I would force all large ships carrying oil up or down the coast to travel miles away from shore rather than fairly close to the coast line. By protecting the coastal environments, thousands of species would benefit because the area has a more diverse population, and is delicate compared to the middle of the ocean.
If the sea otter population was not expanding and reclaiming its lost habitat, I would consider relocation again. This would ensure that there were small communities in all of the habitats that they once occupied, and would very quick growth due to an abundance of resources in these untapped environments.
Finally, I would encourage all countries involved in the original Fur Seal treaty in 1911 to collaborate on another treaty which would combine efforts of all the nations to protect these animals. By having all these countries sign the treaty, there would be consistent work being done all along the coastline to ensure that the sea otter population was rehabilitated to a stable population.
Careers in Conservation Biology
There are many career options that would allow one to study environments and animal at risk including biologists, ecologist and environmentalists.
A biologist in the field of environmental protection would work directly with animals and their habitats and would be primarily responsible for monitoring the effects that chemicals and other environmental pollutants have on animals and their habitats. The biologist and ecologist careers overlap, but generally the biologist would work with animals. An ecologist career related to protection of animals and their habitats would study the ecosystems and make recommendations for improvement and protection of ecosystems that are at risk. Working at CSORT would provide the opportunity to focus on environmental concerns related to the protection of animal species, for example the sea otter.
A career as an environmentalist's involves helping the public to make informed decisions about natural resources and interaction with our surroundings. Through research, publications and lobbying, environmentalists provide information on the environment. An environmentalist could focus on protection of species at risk working as an environmental scientists, environmental lobbyists or environmental educators. An environmental scientists study the best ways to preserve the environment and protect it from pollution and other contaminants. Environmental educators teach students environmental science and related subjects. Environmental lobbyists work for organizations to influence legislators on environmental issues and policy. There are several organizations in Canada that are dedicated to the protection of native animals in their natural habitat including, Friends of the Sea Otter, which focuses on the conservation of sea otters by educating the public, supporting research, and advocating for the protection of the sea otter, and the Humane Society, an animal protection organization focusing on the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs.
A biologist in the field of environmental protection would work directly with animals and their habitats and would be primarily responsible for monitoring the effects that chemicals and other environmental pollutants have on animals and their habitats. The biologist and ecologist careers overlap, but generally the biologist would work with animals. An ecologist career related to protection of animals and their habitats would study the ecosystems and make recommendations for improvement and protection of ecosystems that are at risk. Working at CSORT would provide the opportunity to focus on environmental concerns related to the protection of animal species, for example the sea otter.
A career as an environmentalist's involves helping the public to make informed decisions about natural resources and interaction with our surroundings. Through research, publications and lobbying, environmentalists provide information on the environment. An environmentalist could focus on protection of species at risk working as an environmental scientists, environmental lobbyists or environmental educators. An environmental scientists study the best ways to preserve the environment and protect it from pollution and other contaminants. Environmental educators teach students environmental science and related subjects. Environmental lobbyists work for organizations to influence legislators on environmental issues and policy. There are several organizations in Canada that are dedicated to the protection of native animals in their natural habitat including, Friends of the Sea Otter, which focuses on the conservation of sea otters by educating the public, supporting research, and advocating for the protection of the sea otter, and the Humane Society, an animal protection organization focusing on the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs.