California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) census results, spring 2018
September 24, 2018
The 2018 census of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) was conducted from late April to mid-May 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 3,128, a decrease of 58 sea otters from the previous year. The 5-year average trend in abundance, including both the mainland range and San Nicolas Island populations, remains positive at 1.3 percent per year. Continuing lack of growth in the range peripheries likely explains the cessation of range expansion.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Title | California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) census results, spring 2018 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ds1097 |
| Authors | Brian B. Hatfield, Julie L. Yee, Michael C. Kenner, Joseph A. Tomoleoni, M. Tim Tinker |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Series Title | Data Series |
| Series Number | 1097 |
| Index ID | ds1097 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Western Ecological Research Center |
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Brian B Hatfield
Scientist EmeritusEmailJulie Yee
Research StatisticianEmailPhoneJoseph Tomoleoni
Biologist & Southwest Region Dive Safety OfficerEmailPhone