How will a lower population of California sea otters disrupt the ecological balance in Monterey Bay?

Project by Polygence alum Clara

How will a lower population of California sea otters disrupt the ecological balance in Monterey Bay?

Project's result

I created a website to present all of my research which is compiled into 3 organized articles. I created numerous graphs and diagrams and used images to support my writing. The goal of the website is to support visual learners and present research in a creative, comprehensible way.

They started it from zero. Are you ready to level up with us?

Summary

In the Monterey Bay, sea otters play a vital role as a keystone species. Unfortunately, otters are endangered, making the whole ecosystem at risk. In 2017 the estimated population was 3,186 otters, but declined by about 200 otters in 2019. As these endangered otters continue to drop in population, the ecosystem balance is increasingly disturbed. Sea otters feed on invertebrates such as sea urchins. As otter populations drop, urchin populations dramatically increase. Overpopulation of urchins will threaten the otter's habitat, kelp forests. Otters have a crucial job of keeping the Monterey bay's ecosystem balanced. Explore my website, Enhydra, to understand the crucial role otters play, the importance of a balanced ecosystem and the conservation science behind protecting these otters.

Madelin

Madelin

Polygence mentor

PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Subjects

Biology

Expertise

Marine Biology, Oceanography, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Photography, Conservation

Clara

Clara

Student

Graduation Year

2025