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California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) census results, spring 2017

Data Series 1067
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1067

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Abstract

The 2017 census of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) was conducted between late April and early July along the mainland coast of central California and in April at San Nicolas Island in southern California. The 3-year average of combined counts from the mainland range and San Nicolas Island was 3,186, down by 86 sea otters from the previous year. This is the second year that the official index has exceeded 3,090, the Endangered Species Act delisting threshold identified in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan (the threshold would need to be exceeded for 3 consecutive years before delisting consideration). The 5-year average trend in abundance, including both the mainland range and San Nicolas Island populations, remains positive at 2.3 percent per year. Continuing lack of growth in the range peripheries likely explains the cessation of range expansion.

Suggested Citation

Tinker, M.T., and Hatfield, B.B., 2017, California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) census results, spring 2017: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 1067, 9 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1067.

ISSN: 2327-638X (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • California Sea Otter Census Results
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) census results, Spring 2017
Series title Data Series
Series number 1067
DOI 10.3133/ds1067
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description Report: iv, 9 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State California
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details