Protect the Sea Otter
by Philippe
March 2nd, 2007
Last week I had the chance to help out a fellow non-profit group by lending my voice. Defenders of Wildlife, a DC-based organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities, is producing radio and print ads to encourage Californians to support sea otter research and conservation through a donation on their tax forms.
Sea otters are a part of my family’s heritage. I grew up with images of my father romping with the otters in “The Unsinkable Sea Otter,†one of the many episodes he filmed for “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.†Unfortunately, the California sea otter has been listed as “threatened†under the federal Endangered Species Act since 1977. Why is saving the sea otter so crucial? Because it is a “keystone species,” within its ecosystem. Their feeding habits affect animals lower in the food chain and they play an important role in maintaining the health of the kelp ecosystem. One of the sea otter’s main food sources is shellfish; by limiting the numbers of shellfish that feed on kelp, the sea otter promotes the development of kelp forests, which in turn provide habitat for fish and other invertebrate species.
In light of recent news that global fisheries could collapse within the next forty years, it is IMPERATIVE that we take action to ensure the continued existence of fish stocks. Believe it or not, that means protecting the California sea otter—another example of how we are all upstream from one another…
So if you live in California, please do your part this tax season and click the Sea Otter box on your state income tax form. To learn more about the sea otter, visit Defenders of Wildlife.
March 2nd, 2007 at 8:46 pm
I would like to help, but I don’t live in California. What can a full time out of state college student do to help in this effort?
March 3rd, 2007 at 10:33 am
I am so sorry Philippe, I wish I could help, but I live in Florida. Anything about Manatees ? Sea otters are so cuuuuute. I just love them. Well if you find anything about helping Manatees here in the area of Florida (I’ve already giving a donation to a Manatee rescue) just let me know. HELP the MANATEES !! They are SO CUTE !!
March 3rd, 2007 at 7:18 pm
I DO live in California and I will absolutely check the box on my tax return. I will also send an email to all my friends in CA and ask them to do the same. Are there any volunter opportunities in or close to Los Angeles? I’d definately help out. Sea otters are adorable!
March 5th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Dear Philippe,
Thank you for telling us about the “Defenders of Wildlife” site. I belong to a number of animal help groups, but I had not heard of them. I joined immediately. Although I do not live in California, or anywhere near the oceans or seas, I still feel the need to protect beautiful creatures like the sea otters. Everyone should take an active interest in issues like this.
Could you list the dates and times of your upcoming specials when they become available?
Take care,
Jo Ann
March 5th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Hi Jo Ann-
Thank you for your response to Philippe’s blog. We will be posting Philippe’s Animal Planet appearances - and most others, for that matter! - under the News & Events section as they become available. Thanks so much for your interest.
-Mia
February 21st, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I did not forget about the Sea Otter Fund and donated while filing my CA taxes this year. I FEEL GREAT !