Enhydra lutris nereis (Southern Sea Otters)

Credit: Bryant Austin Carlos Garza — *Credit: Bryant Austin*

about the species

Enhydra lutris nereis, the southern sea otter, is a marine mammal endemic to the California coast. It inhabits nearshore waters, kelp forests, and estuaries, where it acts as a keystone predator by regulating sea urchin populations and promoting kelp forest health. Once driven to near extinction by the fur trade, the population has partially recovered but remains listed as threatened in California.

why species was selected

The southern sea otter was selected due to its keystone ecological role and conservation status. Genomic data can inform population health, genetic diversity, and resilience, supporting recovery efforts and management of coastal ecosystems critical to California's biodiversity.

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