UPDATED STATUS OF THE SEA OTTER, ENHYDRA-LUTRIS, IN CANADA

Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris) ranged historically across the north Pacif ic from the central Pacific coast of Baja California, to northern Japa n. An intensive fur hunt in the 18th and 19th centuries extirpated the Sea Otter from much of its range. The species was protected in 1911, and now occupies approximately half of its historic range. Presently, the worldwide population of Sea Otters is thought to be about 150 000 animals. The British Columbia Sea Otter population, originating from 8 9 animals reintroduced to Vancouver Island from 1969 to 1972, has incr eased at a finite rate of 18.6% per year, a rate similar to reintroduc ed populations in Washington and southeast Alaska. In 1995, a minimum of 1522 Sea Otters were found in British Columbia. Most of these anima ls occurred off Vancouver Island, but at least 135 Sea Otters were fou nd near Goose Island, 125 km north of Vancouver Island. The origin of this latter group is uncertain. Sea Otters are presently classed as th reatened in British Columbia and are protected under Federal and Provi ncial regulations.