Bringing
Back Oregon's
Sea Otters
Who Are We: The Elakha Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit in Oregon. We were formed by tribal, nonprofit, and conservation leaders with a shared belief in a powerful vision: an Oregon coast 50 years from now where our children and grandchildren co-exist along with a thriving sea otter population and a robust and resilient marine ecosystem.
Our Mission: To restore a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast and to thereby make Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystem more robust and resilient.
Restoring a
Legacy
Sea otters are part of the cultural legacy of Oregon’s coastal tribes which was lost when sea otters were eliminated in Oregon due to the 19th century fur trade. It’s long past time for a meaningful effort to undo this wrong. Discover the Cultural Significance of Oregon’s Sea Otters from Peter Hatch, Elakha Board Member and member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
Encouraging a Resilient Marine Ecosystem
As a keystone species, sea otters are critical to maintaining the productivity and diversity of kelp forests. Restoring sea otters will ensure that Oregon has a robust and resilient marine ecosystem for current and future Oregonians and to enable our coastal communities to thrive.
The Science of Sea Otters
As a keystone species, sea otters are critical to maintaining the productivity and diversity of kelp forests. Restoring sea otters will ensure that Oregon has a robust and resilient marine ecosystem for current and future Oregonians and to enable our coastal communities to thrive. In 2022, we published a Scientific Feasibility Study on the potential reintroduction of sea otters back to Oregon.
Latest Updates:
Mourning the Loss of CTCLUSI Chief Doc Slyter, Elakha Board Member
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chief Doc Slyter, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI), who has been a valued member
Local Scholars Reveal History of Sea Otters, a Now-Absent Cultural Keystone Species in Oregon
Press Release from Oregon Historical Quarterly: A special section of the Oregon Historical Society’s Oregon Historical Quarterly highlights sea otter history in the Pacific Northwest Note: Elakha Alliance Board Memebers Cameron
Oregon to Celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week
The Elakha Alliance, an Oregon non-profit working to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast, invites the public to celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week (SOAW) September 24-30, 2023. The Alliance
Get Involved
Learn More at the Elakha Library
We’re working to compile in one place a library of materials for students, interested individuals, and scientists who’re interested in learning more.
