The kelp forest’s keystone species could help restore an ailing ecosystem. By David Helvarg / Los Angeles Times / Feb. 17, 2024 Sea otters are terminally cute critters and a delight to view rolling and diving in the kelp canopy of Monterey Bay, where some 3,000 endangered southern otters play an essential role in maintaining…
Since the 1960s, a remnant population of sea otters has revived Monterey Bay. But they can't migrate north throughout their historic range without human help.