April 12, 2004 10:15 AM -- Morro Bay Natural History Museum Auditorium
Southern Sea Otters: So how are they doing?
Kristen Sanchez
This title reflects the most frequently asked question about one of the most charismatic marine mammals. The southern sea otter has been a part of the California ecosystem for millions of years but has faced many challenges in the past 3 centuries. Following near-extinction from fur-trading in the 1700’s, sea otters worldwide have been recovering slowly. In California, the southern sea otter is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Present day challenges to their recovery include disease, food limitations, habitat degradation, and conflicts with humans. You will hear about local sea otter research that is part of a range-wide study seeking to understand their needs and limitations so that management decisions can be made that will promote a healthy population.
Biography:
As a native of California’s central coast, love for the ocean comes naturally. Kristen was born in Santa Maria and attended grade school in Morro Bay and Los Osos. Santa Barbara City College and world travels sparked a passion for the underwater world. Eventually, this translated to a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Currently, Kristen is a field technician for US Geological Survey-Biological Resources Division, collecting data on sea otter population dynamics. This research is done in conjunction with UCSC, California Department of Fish & Game, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and UC Davis.
"Short Intro"
April 12, 2004 10:15 AM -- Morro Bay Natural History Museum Auditorium
Southern Sea Otters: How are they doing?
Kristen Sanchez
The southern sea otter has been part of the California ecosystem for millions of years but has faced many challenges in the past 3 centuries. Recovery, since near-extinction from fur-trading, has been slow. In California, the southern sea otter is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Present day challenges to their recovery include disease, food limitations, habitat degradation, and conflicts with humans. Kristen Sanchez, a field technician for US Geological Survey-Biological Resources Division (and central coast native), will tell you about local sea otter research that is being conducted as part of a range-wide study. This project seeks to understand the needs and limitations of the southern sea otter so that management decisions can be made that will promote a healthy population. The presentation will include a demonstration of tracking methods.
Prep material for a possible 2005 Mindwalk by Greg Smith:
Title: Recreation and the Western Snowy Plover
Content: Balancing protection of a sensitive bird species and its
habitat with public recreation.
Bio: I became a State Park employee in 1978 after moving to
this area in 1973. I worked my way up to the Superintendent position for the
Coastal Sector after spending 16 years working for the State in biological
field. In my spare time I enjoy photography, birding and leading natural
history tours to Russia, Alaska, the Antarctic and South America.
Greg Smith
Superintendent, Coastal Sector
San Luis Obispo Coast District
gsmith@[remove]hearstcastle.com
805
771-1911