Discusses the ocean ecosystem and the role of the sea otter as a keystone species in helping to maintain it, describing the otter's place on the food chain and what would happen if the sea otter were to become extinct.

Discusses the ocean ecosystem and the role of the sea otter as a keystone species in helping to maintain it, describing the otter's place on the food chain and what would happen if the sea otter were to become extinct.

Sea otters are a keystone species in their environment. If they were to disappear, the ripple effect on the plants and animals in the ecosystem would be profound. Kelp forests absorb carbon dioxide. Sea urchins feed on kelp and can deplete these forests if they are not kept in check. Sea otters prey on sea urchins, helping to maintain healthy kelp forests and thus, a healthy ecosystem. This dynamic text engages readers in an educational dialogue, examining the role of sea otters, the threats they face, and possible solutions to protect this fundamental species.

Talks about each habitat and shows what would happen if the food chain was broken.

Talks about each habitat and shows what would happen if the food chain was broken.

Discusses the temperate forest ecosystem and the role of the gray wolf in helping to maintain it, describing the wolf's place on the food chain and what would happen to the temperate forest if the gray wolf were to become extinct.

Sea otters are good indicators of ocean health. In addition, they are a keystone species, offering a stabilizing effect on ecosystem, controlling sea urchin populations that would otherwise inflict damage to kelp forest ecosystems. The kelp forest ecosystem is crucial for marine organisms and contains coastal erosion. With the concerns about the imperiled status of sea otter populations in California, Aleutian Archipelago and coastal areas of Russia and Japan, the last several years have shown growth of interest culturally and politically in the status and preservation of sea otter populations. Sea Otter Conservation brings together the vast knowledge of well-respected leaders in the field, offering insight into the more than 100 years of conservation and research that have resulted in recovery from near extinction. This publication assesses the issues influencing prospects for continued conservation and recovery of the sea otter populations and provides insight into how to handle future global changes. Covers scientific, cultural, economic and political components of sea otter conservation Provides guidance on how to manage threats to the sea otter populations in the face of future global changes Highlights the effects that interactions of coastal animals have with the marine ecosystem