This year marked one of the most impactful chapters yet for the Elakha Alliance as we expanded our outreach, deepened partnerships, advanced restoration planning, and inspired thousands across Oregon and beyond. Our 2025 Impact Report highlights the momentum building behind sea otter recovery—and the incredible community helping make it possible.
Expanding Outreach & Community Engagement
In 2025, our team reached more people than ever before. Through school visits, community events, television appearances, webinars, and podcasts, we connected with over 15,000 people to share the story of Oregon’s missing sea otters and the path toward their return.
Our social media community also continued to grow, extending our message across the region and amplifying awareness about the importance of kelp forests, eelgrass, and coastal resilience.
We also brought ocean education to life in creative ways—like partnering with Portland artist Mike Bennett to launch the world’s first cartoon aquarium, the Portland Aquarium, inspiring families to learn about marine ecosystems through playful art.
Strengthening Science & Tribal Partnerships
A major milestone this year was our partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians on a successful $1.56 million federal grant through America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative. This work will help guide future reintroduction planning and centers Indigenous knowledge and leadership in shaping a shared vision for sea otter recovery.
Board President Bob Bailey also contributed a chapter to the newly released Sea Otter Conservation Vol. 2, showcasing Elakha’s innovative, collaborative approach.
Advocating for Oregon’s Coastal Future
Our government relations work helped elevate essential ocean issues at the state level—from bills protecting kelp and eelgrass to broader habitat and funding needs for ocean conservation.
We were also proud to support Governor Tina Kotek’s Executive Order 25-26, which prioritizes climate resilience strategies across state programs—a major win for Oregon’s coastal ecosystems.
Engaging Coastal Communities
This year our Coastal Community Coordinator, Kyle Motley, held more than 50 meetings with fishermen and coastal ports, using cutting-edge ecological modeling to support transparent and collaborative conversations about potential sea otter restoration.
We also served as the keynote speaker at the biannual Sea Otter Conservation Conference in Seattle, connecting with experts from around the world.
Supporters Stepped Up in Big Ways
Community support reached new heights. Our first-ever “We Otter Bring Them Back” campaign raised over $10,000, showing just how much Oregonians care about restoring sea otters to their home waters.
Overall in 2025, we proudly achieved:
80 events attended across the West Coast
673 students served through education and field experiences
730 supporters who spoke up during Oregon’s draft Wildlife Action Plan review
Your voices are driving conservation forward.
Looking Ahead
From new conservation partnerships to creative outreach and record community support, 2025 was a year defined by connection, collaboration, and hope.
Together, we are paving the way for a future where sea otters once again thrive along Oregon’s shores—strengthening kelp forests, supporting coastal communities, and restoring balance to the nearshore ecosystem.
Thank you for being part of this movement. The momentum is growing – and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2026.