The total sea otter count, 2692, is 1.6% lower than the spring 2005 count of 2735. The number of independent sea otters observed, 2369, is 2.0% below the number counted last spring (Table 1). The count of the north half of the range (defined here as north of Cape San Martin) was down approximately 12%, while the south half was up about 9% from the count last spring. The central part of the range (Seaside to Cayucos) was down 5%. Only two coastal segments had changes in independent sea otter numbers of more than 50, and both of these were in the south half of the range. There were 60 more independent sea otters counted this spring between San Simeon Point and Cayucos Pier, and 54 more independent otters were seen between Hazard Canyon and Pismo Beach. There were two coastal segments with at least 40 fewer animals counted this spring compared to last spring: Seaside to Point Lobos and Pismo Beach to Point Sal. Ninety-three independent sea otters (and zero pups) were spotted east of Point Conception this spring (92 independents and one pup were counted during the spring 2005 survey, Figure 1). The southern-most sighting was of a single animal near Tajiguas, Santa Barbara County; the northern-most being an individual off Tunitas Beach, San Mateo County – one of only two seen north of Point Ano Nuevo.

The pup count this spring, 323, is 5 more than were counted in spring 2005, and is close to the record of 330 pups counted in spring 2004. While the number of pups counted was down slightly in the central part of the range, there was a record high number of pups observed north of Capitola (Figure 2).

The count this spring, because it is higher than the 2003 spring count, has a positive effect on the 3-year running average for independent, pups, and total sea otters. The 3-year running average for total sea otters is up 2.3% to 2751 animals (Figure 3). This is the metric the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan recommends using to reduce the influence of anomalously high or low counts from any particular year.

This survey is a cooperative effort between USGS-BRD-Western Ecological Research Center, CDFG–Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and many experienced and dedicated volunteers, including docents of the Point Lobos State Reserve and members of the Pacific Cetacean Group. Assistance was also received from staff of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Coastal Commission, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.