How will a lower population of California sea otters disrupt the ecological balance in Monterey Bay?
Project by Polygence alum Clara
Project's result
I created a website to present all of my research which is compiled into 3 organized articles. I created numerous graphs and diagrams and used images to support my writing. The goal of the website is to support visual learners and present research in a creative, comprehensible way.
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Summary
In the Monterey Bay, sea otters play a vital role as a keystone species. Unfortunately, otters are endangered, making the whole ecosystem at risk. In 2017 the estimated population was 3,186 otters, but declined by about 200 otters in 2019. As these endangered otters continue to drop in population, the ecosystem balance is increasingly disturbed. Sea otters feed on invertebrates such as sea urchins. As otter populations drop, urchin populations dramatically increase. Overpopulation of urchins will threaten the otter's habitat, kelp forests. Otters have a crucial job of keeping the Monterey bay's ecosystem balanced. Explore my website, Enhydra, to understand the crucial role otters play, the importance of a balanced ecosystem and the conservation science behind protecting these otters.
Madelin
Polygence mentor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Subjects
Biology
Expertise
Marine Biology, Oceanography, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Photography, Conservation
Check out their profile
Clara
Student
Graduation Year
2025