Otter News Archive

The amount might sound like a drop in the ocean, but California taxpayers who donated more than $250,000 to sea otter conservation in 2007 may have ensured a brighter future for the threatened sea creature.

For the first time, state residents were given an opportunity in 2007 to donate any amount of money, starting at $1, to support efforts to save the otter by checking a box on their state tax forms. Their generosity totaled $255,088, a significant amount, in a symbolic sense, because it eclipsed the California Franchise Tax Board's annual criteria to make the same box available the following year.

"Actually, we erroneously believed that we needed to raise $250,000 in donations last year to have another check-off box on the 2008 tax forms," said Jim Curland, marine program associate for Defenders of Wildlife in Moss Landing. "So we acted accordingly and campaigned with gusto to reach that goal. We later found out there's a one-year grace period for first-year funds -- we weren't actually required to reach that donation level until this year -- but the fact that we made our goal anyway was extremely pleasing."

The donations will go to the California Sea Otter Fund, which supports researchers and state agencies working to understand the threats facing the sea otter and find ways to recover the population in California.

Half the money goes to the state Coastal Conservancy for research and programs related to improving sea otter habitat, including activities to reduce otter mortality. The remaining half goes to the state Department of Fish and Game for increased investigation, prevention and enforcement.

"The sea otter is a California icon," said Philippe Cousteau, a noted conservationist and explorer, and president of EarthEcho International.

"By checking the sea otter donation box, California taxpayers can ensure that generations to come have the opportunity to enjoy these lovable creatures."

The population of the southern sea otter increased by 12.4 percent in 2007, according to Monterey-based Friends of the Sea Otter, but the news wasn't all good.

"We've seen encouraging signs in recent years, but we also had the highest mortality rate on record last year. About 10 percent of the population is dying," Curland said. Biologists have determined that an unusually large number of the otters -- about half -- are dying of infectious diseases that can be traced to polluted runoff.

The check-off box for the otter will be one of 11 on this year's state tax form. Funds for breast cancer research and rare and endangered animals received the most donations in 2007, at around $750,000 apiece.

"Both of those funds have been on the form for 15 or 20 years -- they're very well established," Curland said. "So we're very happy with what we accomplished during our first year."

Curland said Defenders of Wildlife didn't start publicizing its check-off box until March -- roughly a month before the tax-filing deadline -- which gives him hope they'll do even better with this year's donations.

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