Shellfish-munching sea otters have been the bane of fishermens’ existence ever since they were reintroduced to Canada’s west coast in the 1970s -- but a new study indicates they bring more economic benefits than losses. The Canadian government however decided to reintroduce otters in the 1970s -- without consulting the local population, including the native First Nations. And kelp provide protective habitats for a number of fish species like herring, which, in turn, benefits the fishermen. “The sea otter is a very charismatic species,” said Russell Markel, a co-author of the paper who runs Outer Shores Expeditions. But the return of kelp forest “increases near-shore productivity” and “creates habitat for kelp dependent species,” she said.

Source: Hindustan Times June 12, 2020 02:48 UTC