The Elakha Alliance is pleased to present this scientific Feasibility Study regarding sea otter reintroduction in Oregon, published January 2022. A team of six leading scientists (led by Dr. Tim Tinker; see list below) evaluated key dimensions of a proposed sea otter reintroduction, including source population dynamics, habitat suitability, ecological considerations, social and economic impacts, legal requirements, logistics, and more.
On July 27, 2022, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a Sea Otter Feasibility Assessment on the reintroduction of sea otters to Northern California and Oregon. The USFWS staff utilized the scientific findings from the Elakha Alliance’s Feasibility Study in the majority of their Assessment.
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Introduction
History of Prior Sea Otter Translocations
Populations and Demographic
Genetics & History of OR Sea Otters
Ecosystem Effects of Sea Otters
Habitat Suitability
Socioeconomic Considerations
Legal Considerations
Implementation & Logistics
Animal Health & Welfare
Stakeholder Concerns & Perspectives
Overall Conclusions
Appendixes
Authors:
Dr. Tim Tinker, principal author; Research Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey (retired); Adjunct Professor, UC Santa Cruz, Nhydra Ecological Research
Dr. James Estes, contributing author; Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey (retired); Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UC Santa Cruz
Dr. James Bodkin, contributing author; Research Wildlife Biologist (retired), U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center
Dr. Shawn Larson, contributing author; Curator of Conservation Research, Seattle Aquarium
Dr. Mike Murray, contributing author; Jane Dunaway Director of Veterinary Services, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dr. Jan Hodder, contributing author; Emeritus Professor, University of Oregon, Institute of Marine Biology