Sea otters are a keystone species that promote the biological productivity and ecological resilience of nearshore and estuarine ecosystems. Sea otters were once plentiful from Alaska south to Baja, but have been absent from Oregon for over a century due to the maritime fur trade. With kelp forests declining at an alarming rate due to ocean warming and over predation by sea urchins, sea otter reintroduction is being considered as part a solution to help restore and maintain healthy nearshore ecosystems in Oregon.
The Elakha Alliance was formed in 2018 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.
By fostering strategic partnerships, engaging with communities through education, reaching out to stakeholders, and creating scientific resources and policy assessments, the Elakha Alliance is committed to achieving its objective of restoring the sea otter population along the Oregon coast. The aim is to fortify the overall strength and resilience of Oregon's marine and coastal ecosystem.
