Otters are beautiful, playful animals that live in wetlands across the world.

Species are declining due to habitat destruction, reduction of prey, roadkill, and illegal trade for fur and as pets.

There are 13 different species, 12 of which are disappearing.

Seven of these species are classified as vulnerable and five are endangered.

Sea otters are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

The International Otter Survival Fund founded World Otter Day with two goals in mind.

First, to help raise awareness of the dangers that otters face.

Second, to educate people on how to protect their habitats.

Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae.

The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic, or marine.

Lutrinae is a branch of the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, badgers, mink, and wolverines, among other animals.

IOSF World Otter Day takes place on the last Wednesday in May each year. The day was established by IOSF to help draw attention to otters, celebrate them, and raise awareness and support for their conservation globally.

The aim is to put otters on the map, and at the forefront of people's mind!

International Otter Survival Fund began in 1993 to protect and help the different species of otters worldwide.

It was inspired by observing otters in their natural habitats. The Fund is one of the world’s leading charities with various projects that protect otters.

They have dedicated over 20 years of research to conserving, protecting, and caring for otters.

They have developed a worldwide program to encourage education on otters. To date, they have supported projects in 44 countries and helped cubs in 33 countries.

Since 2009, they held workshops across the world in places such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and China.

The workshops provide training in otter field techniques, public awareness programs, law enforcement, and general conservation issues. Some other activities include research, campaigns, training, and otter hospitals.

Since 2014, a day to raise awareness about how important otters are to the environment, how they suffer as part of the illegal wildlife trade and how much they need our help.

All the 13 species of otter are listed in the IUCN Red List. 

To save otters,

1)Cut down on oil consumption and oil-based products.

2) use public transportation, walk, bike, or join a carpool.

3)Household chemicals and pet waste are some of the other pollutants that are harmful to sea otters and other marine life.

4) Restore kelp. Kelp and otters go hand in hand. Otters eat lots of sea urchins, which consume a lot of kelp.

And kelp provides a safe habitat for otters and so many other species. The state of Washington has a plan to preserve 10,000 acres of kelp off the state’s coastline by 2040. 

5)If needed, stand up for the species in court. Some are concerned about the presence of otters and perhaps even more concerned about their expansion in terms of overall numbers and range.

We understand these concerns; they do eat a lot of shellfish.

But the benefits – including carbon storage that results from healthier, kelp-filled ecosystems – outweigh any fishing concerns. 

6)Dispose of hazardous wastes properly.

7)Use nontoxic household cleaning products.

8)Donate to the California Sea Otter Fund.

9)Learn more about ocean issues and share your knowledge! Through these articles of course!