Under existing regulations, once California sea otters swim into Southern California, they are no longer protected by the Endangered Species Act! This is the result of an outdated policy that failed to boost the sea otter population as intended.
Otters are being spotted in this No-Otter Zone with increasing frequency. Without full protection, they risk harassment and even death. Migration expansion is normal and necessary for sea otters - populations cannot recover without it. Otters don't understand human-imposed boundaries in the water - and they shouldn't have to.
Protection of this majestic marine mammal should not be conditional! All Fish and Wildlife has to do to fully protect the otters is release a final ruling declaring the translocation program a failure.
Demand that FWS release the final ruling to protect the California sea otter all along California - not just where it's convenient!
Dear Fish and Wildlife Service,
Over the last few years, sea otters have started to move south into the Santa Barbara region. This signals a significant return to their historic range, and should be cause for celebration! Instead, the Service seems to be wringing its hands. As a member of the public, I am deeply concerned that the Service is faltering in its responsibility to protect the sea otter fully.
Your agency has been promising to release a final ruling on the Sea Otter Translocation Program for years. You most recently promised that the final ruling would be published in the final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) this October 2008, but there is STILL nothing to show for it.
How many more promises are you going to break before sea otters start to suffer? There is already anecdotal evidence of sea otters being harassed and shot, and without full protection under the Endangered Species Act, there is little that can be done.
Studies have shown that allowing sea otters to return to Santa Barbara and the waters of southern California will have economic and environmental benefits. It is also integral to the recovery of the sea otter.
The Service is legally mandated to work towards recovering the species under its authority - such as the sea otter. Don't let special interests derail the process - take your mandate seriously, and release the final SEIS to restore protection to the Southern sea otter.
[Your comment here]
Thank you for receiving my comments.
