More info: Being top predators, sea otters are critical in maintaining the balance of nearshore ecosystems, such as kelp forests, embayments and estuaries. Without sea otters, sea urchins can overpopulate the sea floor and destroy the kelp forests that provide crucial cover and food for many other marine animals.
Currently, Southern sea otters are found from Pigeon Point to Gaviota in California which is just a fraction of the range they used to inhabit. Previously, they ranged from Baja along the entire California coast and into Oregon, where they merged with northern sea otters which scientists now consider a separate subspecies.
Additional Information:
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Animal Diversity Web
Defenders of Wildlife
Marine Mammal Commission