We have ended the 25-year-old
southern sea otter translocation program in California because we determined, after an in-depth evaluation, that the program had failed and was not meeting our objectives for restoring the species. The decision means that sea otters will be able to continue to expand their range naturally into southern California waters, in accordance with the recommendations of the 2003 revised southern sea otter recovery plan. Sea otters at San Nicolas Island, offspring of the original sea otters translocated to the island under the program, will be allowed to remain there. The rule, which takes effect on January 18, 2013, removes the regulations that govern the translocation program. Removal of the regulations terminates the program.Learn more at
Southern Sea Otter Information.
