Chapter 5, Problem 1CR

To determine

The way in which the southern sea otters act as a keystone species in their environment and the reason why they should be protected from extinction.

Answer to Problem 1CR

The southern sea otters should be saved from extinction as they are an important keystone species; they earn a huge revenue through tourism and since people consider it unethical to be a reason for the extinction of a species. The extinction of sea otters by anthropogenic activities might possibly lead to the disruption of biodiversity of the Pacific coast kelp forests since the kelp-eating species such as sea urchins would destroy the kelp forests in the absence of the sea otters, which are the predators of this kelp-eating species.

Explanation of Solution

The shallow waters of the huge kelp forests found along parts of the Pacific coast of North America are sited as the habitat of the southern sea otters. Sea otters have been considered as a key stone species. However, they are hunted by fur traders for their expensive fur. Commercial fishers also kill these otters as they compete for the valuable abalone and shellfish. If these human activities continue, then the sea otters will soon become extinct.

The sea otters should be protected because of many reasons. One such is an ethical reason where people consider causing extinction to a species to be wrong. Another reason is that otters help to earn a huge revenue through tourism since people are interested in watching these lovely creatures playing in water. The third and the most important cause for which they should be protected is that they are the keystone species that can give prior warnings about environmental changes.

The extinction of sea otters by human activities might possibly lead to the imbalance of biodiversity of the Pacific coast kelp forests since in the absence of sea otters, the coast would be destructed by the sea urchins and other kelp-eating species on which the otters are fed on.

By following certain ways, the extinction of the sea otters can be prevented. The hunting of the southern sea otters should be banned and strict laws should be enacted against such hunting. The establishment of proved biodiversity parks in the locations where the otters can live easily and give their offsprings a proper life can be helpful in protecting them from extinction. Moreover, the general public should be made aware about the importance of sea otters in preserving the biodiversity of the kelp forests.