ACS Monterey Bay Program for June 2004

Sea Otters and Recreational Activities: Is there evidence in these interactions of chronic stress in otters and how can this be managed?

Thursday, June 24, 2004 7 p.m. Refreshments, 7:30 p.m. Program Lecture Hall, Monterey Boatworks, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove (Across from American Tin Cannery Outlet Stores) Speaker: Deborah Benham, Animal Behavior and Ecology Research Group, University of Nottingham, England

Wildlife tourism is a fast growing industry, often relying on fragile habitats and species. Though this can have positive impacts, e.g. encouraging conservation and environmental education, it can also damage the natural resources it relies upon. This research focuses on interactions between the threatened southern sea otter and recreational vessels in the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). This population has been slow to recover and suffers from high mortality rates due to infectious disease, contamination and fisheries interactions among others. Interactions with recreational vessels may be causing chronic stress to sea otters, a condition which can cause changes in behavior, immune system suppression and cardiovascular damage in other species. This stress could increase otter susceptibility to the aforementioned pressures.

Data has been collected for 2 years between June-September at several study sites in the MBNMS. Over 500 hours of observations have been made. Analysis so far indicates that larger numbers of kayaks (rather than other recreational vessels) are responsible for increasing disturbance events. These results and collaboration with local stakeholder groups has led to the development of a 'wildlife watchers card' for recreational boats, illustrating "alert" behaviors, viewing guidelines and legislation. These will be attached to every rental kayak in Monterey in the summer of 2004 and their efficiency in reducing disturbance will be monitored.

Related web pages:

• Links to additional information and photos of Sea Otters