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:
Restoring Oregon’s Sea Otter Population (6/21/23) – Nehalem, OR
Join us for an in-person presentation on Wednesday June 21st, at 5:30pm, at the Nehalem County Recreation District. The capacity is 40 people, so please
Webinar: Sea Otter Reintroductions – Honoring Balance and Relationality Along the Coast (5/25/23)
University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs graduate students Isabel Jamerson, Danny Kosiba and Olivia Horwedel will be sharing their research they have
Endangered Species Day Community Celebration (5/20/23) – Portland, OR
If you love wildlife, raise your hand! Now keep it raised if you want an excuse to come to a free, fun, family friendly community event
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.
