What do you think?
Rate this book
Return of the Sea Otter
A science journalist's journey along the Pacific Coast from California to Alaska to track the status, health, habits, personality, and viability of sea otters--the appealing species unique to this coastline that was hunted to near extinction in the 18th and 19th centuries. These adorable, furry marine mammals--often seen floating on their backs holding hands--reveal the health of the coastal ecosystem along the Pacific Ocean. Once hunted for their prized fur during the 1700s and 1800s, these animals nearly went extinct. Only now, nearly a century after hunting ceased, are populations showing stable growth in some places. Sea otters are a keystone species in coastal areas, feeding on sea urchins, clams, crab, and other crustaceans. When they are present, kelp beds are thick and healthy, providing homes for an array of sealife. When otters disappear, sea urchins take over, and the kelp disappears along with all of the creatures that live in the beds. Now, thanks to their protected status, sea otters are floating around in coves in California, Washington, and Alaska.
Todd McLeish is a science writer with three published books, all on natural history topics: Narwhals, Basking with Humpbacks, and Golden Wings and Hairy Toes: New England Wildlife. He is a popular public speaker on cruise ships and at museums and environmental centers and has published articles on wildlife topics in Earthwatch Journal, Bird Watcher's Digest, WildBird, and Natural New England, among other publications.
Todd McLeish is a science writer with three published books, all on natural history topics: Narwhals, Basking with Humpbacks, and Golden Wings and Hairy Toes: New England Wildlife. He is a popular public speaker on cruise ships and at museums and environmental centers and has published articles on wildlife topics in Earthwatch Journal, Bird Watcher's Digest, WildBird, and Natural New England, among other publications.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
80 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Todd McLeish
7 books24 followersRhode Island-based author Todd McLeish has been writing about wildlife and environmental issues for more than 20 years. While in college, he developed a passion for wildlife, natural history and environmental protection. Rather than pursue a biology degree, he chose to immerse himself in the natural world by volunteering to help biologists with their wildlife research and write about these experiences.
In more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles, he has examined such topics as the return of wild fishers to southern New England, the impact of gulls on offshore islands, and an effort to census dragonflies in Rhode Island. He has written dozens of essays about backyard wildlife, profiled biologists and wildlife artists, and highlighted numerous threatened species, from piping plovers and ruffed grouse to northern blazing star and American burying beetle. The forthcoming "Narwhals: Artic Whales in a Melting World" is Todd's third natural history book.
Todd is an expert birder, a popular leader of natural history walks, an in-demand public speaker about endangered species, and a former world joggling champion (juggling while jogging).
In more than 100 magazine and newspaper articles, he has examined such topics as the return of wild fishers to southern New England, the impact of gulls on offshore islands, and an effort to census dragonflies in Rhode Island. He has written dozens of essays about backyard wildlife, profiled biologists and wildlife artists, and highlighted numerous threatened species, from piping plovers and ruffed grouse to northern blazing star and American burying beetle. The forthcoming "Narwhals: Artic Whales in a Melting World" is Todd's third natural history book.
Todd is an expert birder, a popular leader of natural history walks, an in-demand public speaker about endangered species, and a former world joggling champion (juggling while jogging).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 26, 2018
I'd always dreamed of being an otter in my next life. Good news, still a good plan. Bad news, not as easy as I thought.
First, great white sharks have to be stupid. Pretty sure thinking about what they're going to bite is not high on their list of things to do. Just like people, sea otters are given one taste and spit out by great whites. Not yummy seal. Which means that if I wanted to be a California sea otter that I'd have a 30% chance of death by great white chomp. *sigh* Might explain the weird dreams I have.
But choosing to be further north along the coast in Washington, British Columbia, Alaska through the Aleutian Islands is fraught with different perils. Everything from killer whales, to getting shot by irate people, to disease from various chemicals in runoff, and species' jumping infections makes the chomp-chomp, death by great white seem not great, but could be worse. Plus the idea of being a kelp forest guardian sounds pretty awesome.
McLeish covers the whole Pacific range. The near extinction and recovery in different regions. The stress between humans and animals, the interaction between plants and animals in the food web and the otter's place as apex predator and how it's near eradication due to the fur trade affected ecosystems. Solid information that's provided in an accessible manner with enough data to give laypeople an understanding without swimming in numbers.
Why I want to be a sea otter:
AND all the seafood!
First, great white sharks have to be stupid. Pretty sure thinking about what they're going to bite is not high on their list of things to do. Just like people, sea otters are given one taste and spit out by great whites. Not yummy seal. Which means that if I wanted to be a California sea otter that I'd have a 30% chance of death by great white chomp. *sigh* Might explain the weird dreams I have.
But choosing to be further north along the coast in Washington, British Columbia, Alaska through the Aleutian Islands is fraught with different perils. Everything from killer whales, to getting shot by irate people, to disease from various chemicals in runoff, and species' jumping infections makes the chomp-chomp, death by great white seem not great, but could be worse. Plus the idea of being a kelp forest guardian sounds pretty awesome.
McLeish covers the whole Pacific range. The near extinction and recovery in different regions. The stress between humans and animals, the interaction between plants and animals in the food web and the otter's place as apex predator and how it's near eradication due to the fur trade affected ecosystems. Solid information that's provided in an accessible manner with enough data to give laypeople an understanding without swimming in numbers.
Why I want to be a sea otter:
As we looked down into the glassy water, it appeared as if we were peering down from the canopy of a liquid forest, which we sort of were. Great egrets and double-crested cormorants perched warily on some of the studier branches, while sea lions and seals surfaced repeatedly in all directions. Almost everywhere we turned, we saw long chains of sales--tiny jellyfish-like creatures that look somewhat like clear caterpillars were visible an arm's reach below the surface. Occasionally we saw a school of herring or small salmon darting by, and solitary kelp rockfish could often be seen pausing motionless for long moments at a time, as if they thought they were well camouflaged.
AND all the seafood!
February 16, 2021
This was fun! Slide into my dms if you want some cool sea otter facts like this one: they roll themselves up in a strand of kelp so they don’t float away while they nap!!
July 16, 2021
This was a very good overview of sea otters and their recovery along the pacific coast from California to the Aleutian Islands. At the end of 2019, after having read Island of the Blue Foxes: Disaster and Triumph on the World's Greatest Scientific Expedition by Stephen R. Bown I stated in my review, "it disturbs me greatly that so much is gone now. The toll on species and habitat is vast since the age of exploration to now and it isn't stopping. I only wish we could have done things differently." It was this expedition which was the beginning of the fur trade in the Pacific and the reason not only otter populations were so devastated but also seals, sea lions and other marine mammals.
I also liked the synergy of reading Return of the Sea Otter, which gave a brief history of the fur trade, and also concurrently reading, Planting the World: Joseph Banks and his Collectors: An Adventurous History of Botany by Jordan Goodman which discusses James Cook's 3rd voyage and how it was encouraged by Joseph Banks in order to establish a British presence along the pacific coast of North America and get in on the lucrative action of selling furs and pelts to the Chinese.
Unfortunately, I have gone from being an optimist to a pessimist when it concerns climate change and the constant devastating impact humans have on wildlife populations. I do enjoy reading about successes like the return of the sea otter to California, Alaska and Vancouver but I fear that the positive change will be short lived. I hope I am wrong.
I also liked the synergy of reading Return of the Sea Otter, which gave a brief history of the fur trade, and also concurrently reading, Planting the World: Joseph Banks and his Collectors: An Adventurous History of Botany by Jordan Goodman which discusses James Cook's 3rd voyage and how it was encouraged by Joseph Banks in order to establish a British presence along the pacific coast of North America and get in on the lucrative action of selling furs and pelts to the Chinese.
Unfortunately, I have gone from being an optimist to a pessimist when it concerns climate change and the constant devastating impact humans have on wildlife populations. I do enjoy reading about successes like the return of the sea otter to California, Alaska and Vancouver but I fear that the positive change will be short lived. I hope I am wrong.
January 29, 2023
What a fun book! Very well written and entertaining. This book discusses sea otters and their recovery from near extinction on the US West coast. It contains loads of nice stories & facts about otters. Loads of research has gone into this, and it's great to read that so many scientists are studying otters and people like the author communicating this work to all interested people.
June 29, 2018
The sea otter should have been extinct by now.
We, as in human civilization, did our very best to eliminate the species — not because we saw it as a pest but because its pelts were among the most desirable. And so hundreds of thousands of these sea mammals were killed because they happened to posses the densest fur coats of any animal on this planet.
But the sea otter somehow managed to survive the slaughter. Handfuls of otters in Russia and the coasts of Alaska and California escaped, and, over time, their populations grew. Return of the Sea Otter: The Story of the Animal That Evaded Extinction on the Pacific Coast, by Todd McLeish, tells their comeback story — but with a caveat: their comeback is not without its challenges.
Such as, sea otters are now considered pests. The fishing industry would like to see them eradicated or “managed” and this has led to much conflict and numerous accounts of sea otter attacks by boat and by gun. We simply do not know how many of these animals are killed by fisherman who deem them fair game, along with seals.
McLeish takes us with him as he visits researchers in Monterey, Alaska, British Columbia. We learn how sea otters are tracked and how the injured are nursed back to life. We watch them in the wild as they eat and play and use tools to pry open their shelled food — one of the few mammal to do so.
And we learn that their comeback story is geographically uneven. While they are doing better along the central California coast, there are vast areas along Alaska’s coast where they have declined. They are still missing from the coast of my home state of Oregon, where they were once numerous.
I always find it unfortunate when we must make the case for saving a species based on its value to us or the ecosystem. But the fact is, sea otters are considered keystone species of the coasts — and, as we are now learning, even estuaries. Sea otters love to exist among kelp and they feed on the creatures that would feed on kelp. By protecting the kelp they protect the countless other species that depend on kelp for their survival. Similarly, scientists have found that when sea otters live in estuaries, the grasses do far better, which in turn makes for healthier environments.
Of course, by eating sea urchins, fisherman have lost a key part of their industry. So, naturally, they say that sea otters must go.
It’s a tired story, but one that will play again and again as our oceans become increasingly depleted by, who else, the fishing industry. And make no mistake. The fishing industry is not the victim here. It’s time we as a society realize that there is no such thing as sustainable fisheries. We may want to believe they are possible, but they’re not. And you don’t have to look far to see atrocities taking place under the guise of sustainable fishing.
But I digress.
I enjoyed this book. And not only am I inspired by the stubbornness of this species, I’m equally inspired by the many researchers and volunteers and citizen scientists who do their parts to defend it.
You’ll come away knowing so much more about this amazing animal and, like me, desperate to go to the coast in search of seeing one (or a raft of them) in the wild.
NOTE: This review was first published on EcoLit Books: https://www.ecolitbooks.com
We, as in human civilization, did our very best to eliminate the species — not because we saw it as a pest but because its pelts were among the most desirable. And so hundreds of thousands of these sea mammals were killed because they happened to posses the densest fur coats of any animal on this planet.
But the sea otter somehow managed to survive the slaughter. Handfuls of otters in Russia and the coasts of Alaska and California escaped, and, over time, their populations grew. Return of the Sea Otter: The Story of the Animal That Evaded Extinction on the Pacific Coast, by Todd McLeish, tells their comeback story — but with a caveat: their comeback is not without its challenges.
Such as, sea otters are now considered pests. The fishing industry would like to see them eradicated or “managed” and this has led to much conflict and numerous accounts of sea otter attacks by boat and by gun. We simply do not know how many of these animals are killed by fisherman who deem them fair game, along with seals.
McLeish takes us with him as he visits researchers in Monterey, Alaska, British Columbia. We learn how sea otters are tracked and how the injured are nursed back to life. We watch them in the wild as they eat and play and use tools to pry open their shelled food — one of the few mammal to do so.
And we learn that their comeback story is geographically uneven. While they are doing better along the central California coast, there are vast areas along Alaska’s coast where they have declined. They are still missing from the coast of my home state of Oregon, where they were once numerous.
I always find it unfortunate when we must make the case for saving a species based on its value to us or the ecosystem. But the fact is, sea otters are considered keystone species of the coasts — and, as we are now learning, even estuaries. Sea otters love to exist among kelp and they feed on the creatures that would feed on kelp. By protecting the kelp they protect the countless other species that depend on kelp for their survival. Similarly, scientists have found that when sea otters live in estuaries, the grasses do far better, which in turn makes for healthier environments.
Of course, by eating sea urchins, fisherman have lost a key part of their industry. So, naturally, they say that sea otters must go.
It’s a tired story, but one that will play again and again as our oceans become increasingly depleted by, who else, the fishing industry. And make no mistake. The fishing industry is not the victim here. It’s time we as a society realize that there is no such thing as sustainable fisheries. We may want to believe they are possible, but they’re not. And you don’t have to look far to see atrocities taking place under the guise of sustainable fishing.
But I digress.
I enjoyed this book. And not only am I inspired by the stubbornness of this species, I’m equally inspired by the many researchers and volunteers and citizen scientists who do their parts to defend it.
You’ll come away knowing so much more about this amazing animal and, like me, desperate to go to the coast in search of seeing one (or a raft of them) in the wild.
NOTE: This review was first published on EcoLit Books: https://www.ecolitbooks.com
February 25, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 (from sheer bias). I first fell in love with sea otters while living in Alaska, and they have since become my favorite animal. They are undoubtedly one of the cutest animals. This book is more of a modern history of the sea otter, or rather, humanity's contentious relationship with the sea otter. It starts off talking about the decimation of the population due to the fur trade, and documents the slow recovery and issues with coexistence that have appeared as a result. The author does a good job at outlining the different perspectives on the increased sea otter populations (not all of them good). I do wish there was a bit more structure to the book though. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to everyone, but if you like sea otters, read this to get an understanding of the current issues facing this adorable animal and the people who live and work near it.
July 3, 2021
Literally such a cool book and I learned so much about sea otters
April 5, 2021
Great read and a really informative book, I learned a lot and I’ll probably be annoying my husband with sea otter info for the next few weeks. I found that the author did a pretty good job at remaining unbiased when it came to other sides of the sea otters’ story. They are an integral part to the ocean ecosystem, but they also piss fishermen off. I hope that if there comes a time when the sea otter population is stable enough to be managed that it is done so responsibly, history often repeats itself and I can’t imagine a world without these animals. I had the privilege of seeing a sea otter this past fall when we were living on Vancouver Island and it was an unforgettable experience!
March 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I am a wildlife biologist who works on the coast and often with sea otters and I found it pretty informative and a good overview for the general public, not too in the weeds of research. Todd covered some of my favourite otter watching spots from my hometown of Morro Bay and also some of my field trips out to Nootka Sound which was great. Perfect for learning about otters and their management and conservation concerns in an accessible and interesting way.
August 19, 2018
So many adorable otter stories, so much good science explained, all kinds of good information about the impact of humans on the otter population (and vice versa in the case of Alaska natives... well, and also non-native humans on the Alaska natives). It’s just not in my usual genre so I was getting bored by the end, but I’m glad i finished!
April 5, 2018
Everything and anything you want to know about sea otter. The book covered a lot of ground, and it's at times heart-breaking. Excellent overall.
December 2, 2018
I was impressed that the author gave credence and empathy to more than one side of this issue. He gave understanding to fisherman’s concerns over competition with Sea otters, as well as the impact certain decisions over marine mammals laws are made without consulting native people and their ways of life. Yet, it was clear he is ultimately of the viewpoint that the otters return is positive overall as the scientific data shows that they abundantly help biodiversity in an area and improve waters health, even help improve areas and help clean up human caused eutrophication!
December 4, 2021
I picked this book up at the Monterey Bay Aquarium gift shop because of my daughter’s interest in sea otters, and it did not disappoint. It was a well researched and balanced look at all aspects of the recovery of sea otters since the days they were almost wiped out by the fur trade. The narrative was interesting and engaging, and the book was a fast read. I’ve ordered another book by McLeish on narwhals and look forward to reading it since this one was so well done.
June 27, 2023
I loved this book! So good and so easy to read. I feel as though it would be accessible for all people interested in otters, no matter their prior knowledge of the mammal. 🦦
March 7, 2024
One of the most interesting books I’ve read so far! I barely find books on sea otters and this one was really in depth! I plan on buying it one of these days
August 7, 2025
Otterly fantastic
May 24, 2019
This was very informative, and at times a bit too statistical for my taste- but overall a nice read about Sea Otters and all the areas of their residency along the Pacific coast. I found the flow of the book a bit clunky from chapter to chapter, since each chapter sort of reads as its own account of a different population of Sea Otters- but sometimes this was kind of nice since each chapter could be read separately with no trouble.
August 6, 2021
A well written and fast paced incredibly interesting account of otters from various viewpoints. I learned very many new things about sea otters without feeling bored or confused during any part of it. A great read for those living along a coastline or wanting to know more about sea otters, fishing industries, Native American traditions of conservation.
June 17, 2018
This is an interesting book about an animal with a high "cuteness" factor. These lovely animals-a keystone species- were nearly made extinct over the many years of the trade in otter pelts. The fur of these animals is exquisite, thick and warm. In fact they thrive in colder waters because of their thick fur. Unlike other cold water sea mammals, otters do not have layers of blubber to maintin their body temperatures, but rely solely on their fur.
As a keystone species, they are primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis in their watery environment. Where they live and thrive, kelp beds also thrive. Mollusks, especially sea urchins are kept in check by the otters, as they are their favorite foods. When otter populations decline, urchins increase and devour the kelp, damaging a fragile ecosystem.
Sea otters are members of the Mustelidae family, which includes skunks, weasels, badgers and wolverines. They are the only marine Mustelids and the only ones that use their paws, rather than their mouths to capture prey.
Their normal range includes waters off the California coast, and other areas north, including Alaska and Alaskan islands.
Hundreds of thousands of sea otters were killed for their fur in an international trade that was only outlawed in 1911, when the population of otters had plummeted.
Over the last several decades, multiple efforts have been made to introduce (or re-introduce) sea otters to their original habitats. Some efforts have been quite successful and others have not. There were many dissenting voices heard when the re-introduction of the otters created a decline in shellfish which is the mainstay of the diets and the economy in many Alaskan Villages.
Although the tale is heartbreaking in parts, there is realistic hope that the sea otter will once again take its place as the keystone species in a delicate and beautiful sea environment.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the biology of these charming and wonderful creatures and the management of the ecosystem in which they live.
As a keystone species, they are primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis in their watery environment. Where they live and thrive, kelp beds also thrive. Mollusks, especially sea urchins are kept in check by the otters, as they are their favorite foods. When otter populations decline, urchins increase and devour the kelp, damaging a fragile ecosystem.
Sea otters are members of the Mustelidae family, which includes skunks, weasels, badgers and wolverines. They are the only marine Mustelids and the only ones that use their paws, rather than their mouths to capture prey.
Their normal range includes waters off the California coast, and other areas north, including Alaska and Alaskan islands.
Hundreds of thousands of sea otters were killed for their fur in an international trade that was only outlawed in 1911, when the population of otters had plummeted.
Over the last several decades, multiple efforts have been made to introduce (or re-introduce) sea otters to their original habitats. Some efforts have been quite successful and others have not. There were many dissenting voices heard when the re-introduction of the otters created a decline in shellfish which is the mainstay of the diets and the economy in many Alaskan Villages.
Although the tale is heartbreaking in parts, there is realistic hope that the sea otter will once again take its place as the keystone species in a delicate and beautiful sea environment.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the biology of these charming and wonderful creatures and the management of the ecosystem in which they live.
August 29, 2018
Most of what I knew about sea otters turned out to be just part of the picture. I'm glad I read this book to learn more about what sea otters eat (not just urchins and clams but crabs, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers) and what is responsible for their deaths (humans with guns, great white sharks, killer whales). Todd MacLeish travels along the West Coast to interview researchers and locals about the effect of sea otters on different ecosystems and livelihoods. I wasn't aware of so much hostility towards sea otters due to their eating fish and marine invertebrates that people want to gather and sell. I knew that humans nearly brought them to extinction, killing them for their fur coats, but I hadn't known about all the scientists currently studying them or the organizations trying to protect them. That gave me hope. This book includes some cute photos of otters, and also plentiful inappropriate stock illustrations of sea life from some other place than the west coast of North America. Maybe the Caribbean?
May 28, 2018
Informative and accessible to the general public! Gives a thorough overview of this charismatic and important species, touching upon all major points including the fur trade, conservation efforts (and failures), conflicts with fishermen and Alaskan natives. The author may not be able to hide his bias toward this cute critter, but neither can I! Loved every page of it. As a fan of sea otters, there were a lot of things I already knew, but still more that I learned. Also appreciate the full-color photographs inserted in the middle. The size and binding of the book are also perfect for carrying around. The only thing that I would add to the book would be maps with historical data and key cities mentioned in the narrative, which helps for those of us not familiar with Alaskan geography.
July 7, 2023
Why I otter say, I very much enjoyed this one🦦
March 11, 2022
This is the story of the near extinction of sea otters on the west coast of North America, followed by their slow, uncertain recovery. It is also about the relationship of sea otters to humans: politicians, government regulators, environmentalists, commercial fishers, and Native people.
The sea otter population went from 300,000 in the 1780s to less than 1,000 in the early 20th century. They are now 125,000 worldwide. During the height of the fur trade, pelts were bought from Native peoples for a comparative pittance then sold in China at a profit of 1,800 percent.
The sea otter fur trade introduced firearms and rum to Native people on the British Columbia coast. The cash injection from the fur trade introduced a crazy level of inflation and hyper-competitiveness into the traditional practice of the potlatch.
Once sea otters were driven to near extinction both Native people and settlers grew accustomed to dining on and making money from the sale of the kinds of seafood the otters used to eat. Now that sea otters are making a comeback, Native people complain about interference with their subsistence and the commercial fisheries complain about a loss of income.
But Native people used to coexist with sea otters in centuries past. Archaeological research on middens shows that Native communities used to subsist on a different mix of seafood and efforts are being made to convince these communities to return to something more like their traditional diet. Other research has shown that the economic value of sea otters through eco-tourism far outstrips losses to fisheries.
There is such a mix of human perspectives and interests involved, and such a complex mix of ecological factors to balance, that the establishment of a flourishing sea otter population will remain a struggle.
The sea otter population went from 300,000 in the 1780s to less than 1,000 in the early 20th century. They are now 125,000 worldwide. During the height of the fur trade, pelts were bought from Native peoples for a comparative pittance then sold in China at a profit of 1,800 percent.
The sea otter fur trade introduced firearms and rum to Native people on the British Columbia coast. The cash injection from the fur trade introduced a crazy level of inflation and hyper-competitiveness into the traditional practice of the potlatch.
Once sea otters were driven to near extinction both Native people and settlers grew accustomed to dining on and making money from the sale of the kinds of seafood the otters used to eat. Now that sea otters are making a comeback, Native people complain about interference with their subsistence and the commercial fisheries complain about a loss of income.
But Native people used to coexist with sea otters in centuries past. Archaeological research on middens shows that Native communities used to subsist on a different mix of seafood and efforts are being made to convince these communities to return to something more like their traditional diet. Other research has shown that the economic value of sea otters through eco-tourism far outstrips losses to fisheries.
There is such a mix of human perspectives and interests involved, and such a complex mix of ecological factors to balance, that the establishment of a flourishing sea otter population will remain a struggle.
June 16, 2024
Nice and easy read that does well to sum up Sea Otter history and the recent impacts of their re-introduction. Only reason I dropped a star is it could be a little dry sometimes, but I think that’s how it goes with more scientific literature, especially when it’s as comprehensive as this.
The main thing I’ll call out is I think this book is a great example of how complicated conservation and protection of species is when the animal has negative effects on humans, especially on the economics of certain trades. In many cases, what is good for otters is bad for humans attempting to make their livelihood from fishing or who even subsist off of it, as in the case of fishers and natives who have historically relied on the invertebrates that otters now feed on. But sea otters undoubtedly have positive impacts on the ecosystems they are in, but again, positive for the ecosystem may not jive with human interests. It definitely poses some interesting questions that can be expanded to many other biological topics like Wolf reintroduction. Even when humans are restricted with their gathering amount for the purposes of a sustainable resource, no one can tell the otters this fact and they can completely obliterate these areas. But also, we nearly obliterated them in the name of pelts and wealth, and became used to a world without them, and a return to the “natural way” that hasn’t been seen since the 1700s, will obviously not work with how humans got used to the intervening period.
Also I think the book ends on a really good note, conservation efforts should be very thoughtful actions that take into account humans and their needs, and requires an open and clear dialogue on all of the impacts, positive and negative, and not in an exaggerated manner. They should really be as thoughtful as (unfortunately) unthoughtful their original hunting and near extinction was.
The main thing I’ll call out is I think this book is a great example of how complicated conservation and protection of species is when the animal has negative effects on humans, especially on the economics of certain trades. In many cases, what is good for otters is bad for humans attempting to make their livelihood from fishing or who even subsist off of it, as in the case of fishers and natives who have historically relied on the invertebrates that otters now feed on. But sea otters undoubtedly have positive impacts on the ecosystems they are in, but again, positive for the ecosystem may not jive with human interests. It definitely poses some interesting questions that can be expanded to many other biological topics like Wolf reintroduction. Even when humans are restricted with their gathering amount for the purposes of a sustainable resource, no one can tell the otters this fact and they can completely obliterate these areas. But also, we nearly obliterated them in the name of pelts and wealth, and became used to a world without them, and a return to the “natural way” that hasn’t been seen since the 1700s, will obviously not work with how humans got used to the intervening period.
Also I think the book ends on a really good note, conservation efforts should be very thoughtful actions that take into account humans and their needs, and requires an open and clear dialogue on all of the impacts, positive and negative, and not in an exaggerated manner. They should really be as thoughtful as (unfortunately) unthoughtful their original hunting and near extinction was.
June 20, 2022
I'm not usually much of a nonfiction reader, but I recently started listening to The Wild podcast with Chris Martin. I'm really enjoying it and decided to look for some in-depth nonfiction books about animals to learn more. I love sea otters, so I was glad to find this one. McLeish's writing is easy to follow, interesting, and even humorous at times. The one thing I wish is that he went more in-depth on some basic sea otter facts. For instance, there is one section in which he mentions observing an older, ("subadult," I believe they're called) sea otter pup with its mother, and this had me wondering about how sea otters are born and cared for by their mothers, and whether or not it is normal for a sea otter this age to still be with its mother. These facts/questions are not addressed, though. There were a few other places like this, in which I had questions and feel I would have gained a deeper understanding from knowing more context. It is clear that McLeish has done his research, though, and I appreciate how he addresses multiple points of view regarding subjects like conservation of sea otter habitat and theories surrounding their future. Be warned that if you don't want to read anything sad about the animals this is not the book for you, as their deaths, both natural and unnatural, are addressed. I feel that I know more about them, though (I even answered a couple of Jeopardy questions correctly the other day, based on my reading of this book!) and I enjoyed the insight. And last but not least, there are some adorable pictures included!
July 8, 2021
Some good, some bad. The book is beautifully made (Sasquatch Imprint!) and a pleasure to hold in the hand, with really nice hand drawings ahead of chapters and teeny ones breaking up paragraphs. The cover and cover materials are so satisfying. Best yet, the message of the book is ultimately hopeful. I'm so sick of bummer news from the environment (and I know, it's all bummer news). I love animals and long to read about natural history, but I grow weary of the unending parade of terrible news. It is so nice to find a book to engage this part of my interests without the message that the entire world is dying. Because the otters are coming back! Well, hopefully. They have done very well so far, against exceedingly bad odds, and are making a serious stab at returning from the brink of extinction, and I am so darn glad to get to read about it.
The author does a very fine job of writing about things he immediately experiences, but struggles somewhat to be clear with things removed from him, like history and statistics. He is likable, and he tries to be diplomatic in presenting a multifaceted view of the issues surrounding otter reintroduction. His transitions are often weak, and my brain had to work much harder than average to build bridges between paragraphs and topics within paragraphs...which bogs down what is otherwise an easy, enjoyable read.
The author does a very fine job of writing about things he immediately experiences, but struggles somewhat to be clear with things removed from him, like history and statistics. He is likable, and he tries to be diplomatic in presenting a multifaceted view of the issues surrounding otter reintroduction. His transitions are often weak, and my brain had to work much harder than average to build bridges between paragraphs and topics within paragraphs...which bogs down what is otherwise an easy, enjoyable read.
March 11, 2022
I searched and searched for a book about Sea Otters. This is it! Surprisingly hard to find books about them. I think most of the information on them is in scientific journals.
That said, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in marine wildlife. McLeash does a good job describing the populations of sea otters on the West Coast of California through Alaska. He covers the animal’s recovery from almost extinction by fur hunters at the end of the 19th century, the otter’s affect on habitat and shell fish and present day efforts to protect them and rescue them if needed.
Despite there popularity, they are a controversial marine mammal because they are voracious consumers of shellfish. Due to their lack of blubber, Sea Otters must consume large amounts of food to stay alive. Many shellfish fishers regard them as “rats of the sea.” The otter’s proponents say that the period of over abundant marine animals such as abalone, crabs, clams, snails, sea urchins etc. came about because the otter population had been artificially reduced due to depravation. Sea Otters have an overall positive effect on coastal waters bringing back giant kelp beds that help marine animals such as the octopus and fish.
Let’s face it, they are adorable and many people enjoy watching them.
That said, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in marine wildlife. McLeash does a good job describing the populations of sea otters on the West Coast of California through Alaska. He covers the animal’s recovery from almost extinction by fur hunters at the end of the 19th century, the otter’s affect on habitat and shell fish and present day efforts to protect them and rescue them if needed.
Despite there popularity, they are a controversial marine mammal because they are voracious consumers of shellfish. Due to their lack of blubber, Sea Otters must consume large amounts of food to stay alive. Many shellfish fishers regard them as “rats of the sea.” The otter’s proponents say that the period of over abundant marine animals such as abalone, crabs, clams, snails, sea urchins etc. came about because the otter population had been artificially reduced due to depravation. Sea Otters have an overall positive effect on coastal waters bringing back giant kelp beds that help marine animals such as the octopus and fish.
Let’s face it, they are adorable and many people enjoy watching them.
September 20, 2023
Sea otters—the adorable, furry marine mammals often seen floating on their backs holding hands—reveal the health of the coastal ecosystem along the Pacific Ocean. Once hunted for their prized fur in the 18th and 19th centuries, these animals nearly went extinct. Only now, nearly a century after hunting ceased, are populations showing stable growth in some places. Sea otters are a keystone species in coastal areas, feeding on sea urchins, clams, crab, and other crustaceans. When they are present, kelp beds are thick and healthy, providing homes for an array of sea life. When otters disappear, sea urchins take over, and the kelp disappears along with all the creatures that live in the beds. Now, thanks to their protected status, sea otters are making a comeback in California, Washington, and Alaska.
In this hopeful book, science writer Todd McLeish embarks on an epic journey along the Pacific Coast—traveling from California to Alaska—to track the status, health, habits, personality, and viability of sea otters, and reveals how conservationists brought them back from the brink of extinction.
In this hopeful book, science writer Todd McLeish embarks on an epic journey along the Pacific Coast—traveling from California to Alaska—to track the status, health, habits, personality, and viability of sea otters, and reveals how conservationists brought them back from the brink of extinction.
January 4, 2019
This was a very informative little book about the sea otter populations in the west coast – particularly Alaska and California. After describing their near complete destruction thanks to the fur trade in the late 1800s-early 1900s, McCleish goes on to talk about the individual struggles of the different otter populations, their impact on the environment as apex predators, and what questions scientists are still trying to find answers to (i.e. how they find food so well, how exactly do their whiskers help them, why and how is toxoplasmosis (a parasite transmitted by cats) showing up in otters along the California coast. If I was more of a non-fiction fan and/or if I had a brain that was better able to remember scientific facts and trends, I likely would have loved this book. As it was, I found it mostly enjoyable and definitely gleaned a greater insight into the little fuzzy animals that (as an Alaskan) I so often saw growing up. I would definitely recommend this to non-fiction fans, those who love learning about the ocean and marine life, and anyone who counts the sea otter as one of their favorite animals.
February 24, 2023
I haven't seen a sea otter in my entire life. Yet, this book made me deepen my knowledge about the species. Living them is not just because of how adorably they look, but their importance in the ecosystem and marine life.
Some parts are pretty sensitive, especially when talking about culture. I love how unbias the book is and described the factors and sides of everyone - not only just the conservationist and the people in science. It's not my side to comment; I respect every culture. I think it is sensitive to comment on someone's culture, but I believe Indigenous people in Alaska also value this sea creature.
"What I think we fail to realize is that there are more feet on the planet trying to extract more and more resources. The multiplier effect is huge. There is a whole human pressure on the system that has never been there before, and it's something that we don't acknowledge readily." - Angela Doroff
Some parts are pretty sensitive, especially when talking about culture. I love how unbias the book is and described the factors and sides of everyone - not only just the conservationist and the people in science. It's not my side to comment; I respect every culture. I think it is sensitive to comment on someone's culture, but I believe Indigenous people in Alaska also value this sea creature.
"What I think we fail to realize is that there are more feet on the planet trying to extract more and more resources. The multiplier effect is huge. There is a whole human pressure on the system that has never been there before, and it's something that we don't acknowledge readily." - Angela Doroff
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews