Operation Otter

Many sea otters can be found near coastal areas and harbors. They are a keystone species and play a fundamental role in the food web. Sea otters are the smallest of the marine mammals, and rely on their fur coats for insulation as opposed to blubber. These mammals are very social, and usually rest together in groups. To keep from drifting away, they often wrap themselves in kelp or seaweed. Otters are known to prey on a variety of bottom-dwelling sea creatures, including clams, sea urchins, crabs, and snails. 

Sea otters are classified as endangered under the IUCN and threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Oil pollution poses a major risk to the species, as it damages their fur's waterproofing. Sea otters are also threatened by habitat loss, disease, and entanglement in fishing gear.