Protecting Sea Otters

The Why

Sustainable Seas

Why Sea Otters?

I chose sea otters because I read an article a few months ago about why sea otters are so important for the world. Sea otters help protect kelp forests, which are very important for the world. Down below are some reasons why kelp forests are important.

Kelp forests fight climate change in that they do photosynthesis, which converts carbon dioxide to biomass. Kelp forests also remove nutrient pollution such as nitrogen and phosphorous from the water column, which is involved with climate change.

Kelp forests help increase biodiversity because they protect younger species. They do so by giving younger species food and shelter. Some species that they protect are seals, sea otters, octopuses, sea birds, sharks, and large predatory fish.

Kelp forests help protect coastlines by slowing down waves and currents. As a result, waves and currents have less influence on shorelines which prevents erosion. A study found that kelp forests can help reduce the size of waves by 60%.

The world ocean provides so many benefits. Here are ten things the ocean does for humans and the planet: