Bringing Sea Otters Back to Oregon
Who Are We:
The Elakha Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Oregon, founded by tribal leaders, conservationists, and nonprofit advocates united by a powerful vision. We imagine an Oregon coast where future generations thrive alongside a restored sea otter population and a resilient marine ecosystem.
Our Mission:
To make Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystems and communities more robust and resilient by restoring a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast.
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Restoring a
Legacy
Sea otters hold deep cultural significance for Oregon’s coastal tribes, a legacy disrupted by their elimination during the 19th-century fur trade. It’s time to right this historical wrong and honor their place in tribal heritage. Learn more about the cultural importance of Oregon’s sea otters through insights from Peter Hatch, Elakha Board Member and member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
Fostering a Thriving Marine Ecosystem
Sea otters, as keystone species, are essential for maintaining the health and diversity of both kelp forests and estuarine marine ecosystems. In estuaries, they help regulate species like invasive crabs, preserving balance and promoting biodiversity. By controlling sea urchin populations in kelp forests, they prevent these vital habitats from becoming barren, ensuring a thriving marine ecosystem. The return of these remarkable creatures to Oregon’s coast would mark a critical step toward restoring resilience and balance across diverse marine environments.
Exploring Sea Otter Science
Sea otters play a vital role in marine ecology, and their re-introduction will create a balanced and thriving coastal environment. Sea otters are often deemed “climate warriors” as they help in sequestering carbon by promoting healthy kelp forests. These forests absorb CO2 thereby reducing its concentration in our atmosphere.
To reintroduce sea otters back to Oregon takes a lot of research, planning, and in-depth analyses. Our 2022 Scientific Feasibility Study on returning sea otters to Oregon’s coast was concluded feasible by the top six leading sea otter scientists.
