Sea Otter Savvy

Sea Otter Savvy We are a nonprofit organization using outreach and research tools to foster a community dedicated to protecting sea otters from human disturbance.

The beautiful central California coast offers both excellent opportunities for human ocean recreation activities and optimal habitat for sea otters. When the favorite places of both humans and sea otters overlap, interactions between them are inevitable. These interactions can be positive (harmonious for both human and sea otter) or negative (disturbance to sea otters and/or injury to human). As b

oth human and sea otter populations grow, interactions – including disturbance – inevitably increase. One of the first steps toward mitigating negative impacts of these interactions is for humans to recognize the power of their behavioral choices to help or harm. We at Sea Otter Savvy believe that most disturbance to sea otters is unintentional, motivated not by the intent to do harm but by lack of awareness. Essential to preventing disturbance before it occurs is an understanding of the unique vulnerability of sea otters and the importance of a healthy sea otter population to our coastal ecosystem. Through research, outreach, and education, we hope to increase awareness of the importance of protecting sea otters as part of our coastal community, and inspire everyone sharing the coastal environment with sea otters to adopt responsible viewing guidelines and share them with others. Together we can create a “sea otter savvy” community promoting responsible wildlife viewing, awareness of the effect our behavior can have on sea otters and other wildlife, and a safer, healthier coastal environment for all of us, otter and human alike. Be sea otter savvy and YOU can make a difference!

06/13/2026

When you wake up from a beach nap and discover the tide has left without you...

Built for floating belly-up, sea otters aren't exactly graceful on land. Getting back to the water often involves an awkward combination of hopping, scooting, and dragging.

Did you know? Sea otters can spend their entire lives without coming ashore, but "hauling out"—resting on land—isn't uncommon and can help conserve energy. In areas shared with people, however, hauled-out otters usually seek hidden, protected spots and will often rush back to the water if disturbed.

Fortunately, this sleepy otter enjoyed his entire nap undisturbed. The only challenge waiting for him was a much longer commute back to the ocean than he expected.

Didn't your parents ever tell you it's rude to point?....Don't be that person 'pointing' - pass parallel and keep a dist...
06/03/2026

Didn't your parents ever tell you it's rude to point?....

Don't be that person 'pointing' - pass parallel and keep a distance of more than 5 kayak lengths when recreating in Central California. Follow us to be sea otter savvy!


Photo credit: Dave Feliz

We’re thrilled to welcome ocean artist, author, and kelp champion Josie Iselin to Sea Otter Savvy’s 10th Birthday Celebr...
05/29/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome ocean artist, author, and kelp champion Josie Iselin to Sea Otter Savvy’s 10th Birthday Celebration on May 31! 🌿

Josie’s work reveals the extraordinary beauty and diversity hidden in our coastal waters, helping people see kelp forests and marine ecosystems through a new lens. As a special contribution to our silent auction, she has generously donated one of her acclaimed books and a stunning seaweed-inspired scarf featuring imagery from her artwork.

Join us for an afternoon of stories, inspiration, and community as we celebrate 10 years of working toward coexistence between people and sea otters. We can’t wait to hear Josie share her perspective on art, conservation, and the ocean that connects us all.

🎟️ Tickets are available now—come celebrate with us and bid on these beautiful one-of-a-kind items while supporting Sea Otter Savvy’s mission. Get your tickets here: https://share.google/hAW65FUPBAFWvBu11

This World Otter Day, we’re celebrating not only sea otters — but the people helping protect them through ethical storyt...
05/27/2026

This World Otter Day, we’re celebrating not only sea otters — but the people helping protect them through ethical storytelling and stewardship. 🦦📸

We’re honored to feature renowned Nat Geo photographer Ralph Pace ( ), a longtime friend and partner of Sea Otter Savvy. Through his photography and mentorship, Ralph helps educate the public and future wildlife photographers on the nuances of sea otter photography — showing that the best images come from patience, respect, and never disturbing wildlife: “How can you save or protect and animal if you don’t appreciate it for what it really is…”

Join us May 31st from 1-4PM at Humble Sea Brewery in Santa Cruz for Sea Otter Savvy’s 10 Year Birthday Celebration to meet Ralph and hear stories from his years photographing sea otters and marine wildlife. Grab your ticket while there’s still space: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sea-otter-savvys-10th-birthday-party

Because great wildlife photography should inspire protection, not disturbance. 💙

This we’re spotlighting three Cal Poly student researchers helping expand our understanding of southern sea otters in ...
05/22/2026

This we’re spotlighting three Cal Poly student researchers helping expand our understanding of southern sea otters in Morro Bay through collaborative work with ’s Vertebrate Integrated Physiology () led by Dr. Heather Liwanag.

• Morgan Martinez is a master’s student studying Southern Sea Otter Foraging and Habitat Use in the Morro Bay Ecosystem, exploring how otters use different habitats and food resources within the estuary.

• .musoll is examining the “Seasonal distribution of southern sea otter females and pups in the Morro Bay estuary”, helping us better understand how mothers and pups use this important habitat throughout the year.

• Natalie Almeria’s research, “Assessing Disturbance Risk by Watercraft for Southern Sea Otters in Morro Bay”, focuses on identifying overlaps between human recreation and sensitive sea otter habitat in this harbor/estuary.

These young women in STEM presented recently at the Morro Bay National Estuary Program’s State of the Bay Science Explorations event, demonstrating how student researchers are contributing valuable science that helps inform stewardship, conservation, and coexistence along the California coast. We’re inspired by the next generation of scientists working to better understand and protect southern sea otters and their habitat.

Every three years, the Estuary Program publishes a State of the Bay Report centered around commonly asked questions about the health of the estuary and watershed, such as “Is Morro Bay safe for swimming,” “Does Morro Bay support healthy eelgrass beds?,”and “Is water in the creeks and bay clean enough for fish and aquatic life?” In addition to the report, the Estuary Program hosts and attends a variety of events throughout the spring to share results and engage with the community. Science Explorations is the largest State of the Bay event put on by the Estuary Program. This year, it featured seven speakers, 10+ poster presenters, and nearly 100 attendees.

We just earned our 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from , the highest level of nonprofit accountability a 501(c)(3) c...
05/20/2026

We just earned our 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from , the highest level of nonprofit accountability a 501(c)(3) can achieve. A decade of conservation, and we’re just getting started. See what your support makes possible at https://bit.ly/SOSCandid

05/18/2026

So Very Proud!
Seeing visitors and local tour guides follow our distance guidelines (science-based) always has us overcome with emotion. This is coexistence at it’s finest.

A big thank you to our Community Active Wildlife Stewards! 🦦💙

05/16/2026

In celebration of Endangered Species Day we feature new research co-authored by scientists from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, US Geological Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Stanford University, and Sea Otter Savvy Director Gena Bentall found that southern sea otters—listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act—react more strongly to drones as they hover closer overhead.

The collaborative study showed sea otters became increasingly alert and reactive at lower drone altitudes, highlighting why responsible drone use matters for wildlife. These findings can help inform safer practices for research, photography, emergency oil-spill response, and recreation around sea otters.

reminds us that good science doesn’t just help us understand wildlife, it helps us protect it.

Read the science behind this post: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.70185

Read about how you can be a savvy drone pilot: https://www.seaottersavvy.org/drone-drone-fly-away-respect-the-nap-every-day



Video by Jim Pinckney under permit

GIVEAWAY: We’re giving away a pair of tickets to our 10th Birthday Celebration on May 31 at Humble Sea Brewing’s Seacret...
05/16/2026

GIVEAWAY: We’re giving away a pair of tickets to our 10th Birthday Celebration on May 31 at Humble Sea Brewing’s Seacret Garden in Santa Cruz.

To enter: comment with a question you’d want to ask one of our biologists or guest speakers at the party. Sea otter pup-rearing, raft dynamics, the latest disturbance research, what it takes to photograph the ocean for a living, how art and science come together in a kelp forest. Anything you’ve always wondered.

One random commenter wins both tickets. No purchase necessary. Entries close end of day Monday, May 25. We’ll DM the winner. Must be 21+ to attend.

✨ ABOUT THE PARTY ✨
Sea Otter Savvy turns 10, and we’re celebrating ten years of science-led sea otter conservation with the people who’ve helped make it possible. Conservation photojournalist Ralph Pace and ocean and kelp artist Josie Iselin will be speaking, Natsuko Fujimoto is bringing treats from Sea Otter Bakehouse, and the rest of the biologist crew will be there to mingle with. Plus cake, drinks from Humble Sea, and a silent auction and raffle with pieces we’re excited about.

Sunday, May 31 · 1 to 4 p.m. · Humble Sea Brewing Seacret Garden, Santa Cruz · 21+

Tickets $40, link in bio.

This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta.

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a pair of tickets to our 10th Birthday Celebration on May 31 at Humble Sea Brewing Co.'s Sea...
05/16/2026

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a pair of tickets to our 10th Birthday Celebration on May 31 at Humble Sea Brewing Co.'s Seacret Garden in Santa Cruz!

To enter: comment with a question you'd want to ask one of our biologists or guest speakers at the party. Sea otter pup-rearing, raft dynamics, the latest disturbance research, what it takes to photograph the ocean for a living, how art and science come together in a kelp forest. Anything you've always wondered.

One random commenter wins both tickets. No purchase necessary. Entries close end of day Monday, May 25. We'll DM the winner. Must be 21+ to attend.

✨ ABOUT THE PARTY ✨
Sea Otter Savvy turns 10, and we're celebrating ten years of science-led sea otter conservation with the people who've helped make it possible. Conservation photojournalist Ralph Pace Photography and ocean and kelp artist Josie Iselin will be speaking, Natsuko Fujimoto is bringing treats from Sea Otter Bakehouse, and the rest of the biologist crew will be there to mingle. Plus cake, drinks from Humble Sea, and a silent auction and raffle with pieces we're excited about.

Sunday, May 31 · 1 to 4 p.m. · Humble Sea Brewing Seacret Garden, Santa Cruz · 21+

Tickets $40, available on Zeffy: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sea-otter-savvys-10th-birthday-party

This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta.

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2370 CA-1
Moss Landing, CA
95039

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