Canadian Sea Otter Background and Recovery

Following the fur trade, sea otters did not exist in Canada for 40 years, between 1929 and 1969. Translocation of sea otters to Canadian waters occurred between 1969 and 1972, when 89 sea otters were captured from Amchitka and Prince William Sound, Alaska and relocated to Checleset Bay on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Following these translocation efforts, there were still less than 100 animals in 1978.

Analogous to the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Canada has the Species At Risk Act (SARA). In 1978 the northern sea otter in Canada was designated as Endangered.

By 1995 population estimates, there were approximately 1500 animals, however, the population was considered to be relatively small and restricted in distribution, which makes them extremely vulnerable to environmental catastrophes such as oil spills, and human induced impacts to the environment, such as pollution from industrial discharge and urban runoff.

In 1996, the population was down-listed to Threatened by Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife (COSEWIC)because it was no longer considered in imminent danger of extirpation, yet still at risk. The status of the population was reassessed in May 2000 and confirmed Threatened.

The most recent population estimate, based on a complete survey, was made in 2001. This population distribution, as of that survey indicates 2,673 animals along Vancouver Island and 507 on the central mainland coast, leading to a total population of around 3,200 sea otters. However, researchers believe, upon studying population trends in 2007, that the population is likely to be closer to 3,500 sea otters.

Defenders of Wildlife’s efforts in Canada have been to provide written comments on the National Recovery Action Plan for Sea Otters in Canada.