Sea Otters & the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

We are proud to announce that we are Certified Wildlife Stewards for Elkhorn Slough and Monterey.  This award represents 35 years of dedicated and conscientious business practices to foster marine education and recreation.  Read more here.....

 ​SEA OTTERS, SEALS & OTHER MARINE LIFE

Give sea otters space - Covid version.
 Help sea otters survive and thrive. It's always more fun and rewarding to watch animals and their natural behavior from a distance, instead of trying to get closer and just scaring them away from you!​  
Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough are 2 areas with some of the highest concentrations of the California Southern Sea Otter (one of 3 subspecies). Once there were hundreds of thousands living all along the Pacific coast, but they were almost brought to extinction during the 1800's because of being hunted for their amazingly dense fur. Now, the CA southern sea otter is listed as a threatened species with less than 3100 individuals left. There are many factors that affect their health and survival--they can get sick from disease, not find enough of the food they need, be bitten by white sharks,--to name a few. Disturbance of their natural behaviors by humans is another factor that affects their health and ability to thrive.

Even though most people don't intend to disturb sea otters, getting too close (i.e. trying to get a close-up photo) can cause accidental harassment, and can harm them by disrupting critical activities such as sleeping, resting, grooming, foraging and eating. Keep in mind sea otters must eat, groom, and rest a lot (about half the day for optimal health). This cumulative stress and wasted energy can impact their health, especially mothers who are already working very hard to care for their pups.
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Sea Otter Savvy on Facebook 

Watch otters from the Elkhorn Slough Foundation's Otter Cam

SeaOtters.com

Business & Tourism Award

We received the Sea Stars Business and Tourism Award from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation on Sept 22 2019.
" ...Since 1985, Monterey Bay Kayaks  has been a pioneer in establishing ecotourism. Staff are trained to the highest level: from kayaking skills, to safety and responsible wildlife viewing and interpretive MBNMS messages and stories to their clients. With locations in Monterey and Elkhorn, thousands of kayakers have experienced the sanctuary, its incredible beauty and biodiversity. MBKs’ strong commitment to ecotourism was reinforced recently when Monterey Bay Kayaks hosted a Responsible Wildlife Viewing Festival for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuarys’ 2019 Get Into Your Sanctuary Day."  

Get to know the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

DONATE TO TEAM OCEAN

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 MBK has been a huge supporter of the Monterey Bay National Marine sanctuary’s Team Ocean program, providing training and kayak equipment to volunteers from both her shop’s locations in Monterey and Moss Landing.
The Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassment, feeding, touching and disturbance of sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, whales.  You may be fined ($3000 and up) if you are reported. 
These kayakers are too close to the sea otters. Pass by parallel on one side and never surround them as pictured.

 Important rules for kayakers & paddleboarders

Keep the recommended distance of 50 to 100 feet (approx 5 boat lengths)  from marine mammals, but sometimes that isn't possible so follow this basic rule: DO NOT APPROACH OR DISTURB RESTING OR FEEDING MARINE MAMMALS AND NESTING SEABIRDS so closely that they must leave the area or change their behavior (such as waking up, alarmed or stressed behavior, diving or swimming away). Continual disruption can lead to stress which can cause illness/starvation/separation.
  • When you spot an animal, maintain control of your boat so you don't drift towards them. If you accidentally get too close, back away quickly and quietly to give the animal space and not startle them.
  • If they look in your direction and raise their head and/or start fidgeting, you are too close and you should move back, no matter how far away you are.
  • Avoid directly approaching a seal haul out area (beaches, rocks or mudflats used to rest, sleep, warm up, give birth, or nurse). Causing animals to stampede and re-enter the water is considered harassment. Continual disruption may lead to them abandoning the area.
  • If they are being active and curious, they might approach you. Paddle slowly away from the marine mammal. Do not let them touch you or climb onto your boat as this is not a good habit for the animal to develop! Also, they are still wild and can bite.
  • Let's do our part to help sea otters survive and thrive. Remember that it's always more fun and rewarding to watch animals engaging in their natural behavior from a distance, instead of watching them just swim away from you!
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RESEARCHERS
​There are many scientists and volunteers who observe these animals for research, including taking pictures and videos. They may report you if they see a potential harassment situation. Many people are also out there to be interpreters and help kayakers learn more about the wildlife.
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Check out Team Ocean and their Marine Wildlife cards!
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Harbor Seals, Sea Lions and Elephant Seals
While not a threatened species, they are still protected by federal laws. During pupping season, be especially careful around the mudflats of Elkhorn Slough and area beaches where they haul out to give birth, nurse or rest. Do not attempt to rescue any marine mammal that looks injured or a pup that looks abandoned or lost. Contact the Marine Mammal Center.

​Whales & Dolphins
​Rissos dolphins are the most common seen in the Monterey Bay.
​Though less likely to be seen by kayakers, never paddle directly towards them as their behavior is unpredictable and dangerous due to their size and strength.

Rissos dolphins are the most common seen in the Monterey Bay.
Fishing on ​Monterey Bay

Sea Bird Protection

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​Nesting seabirds in our area are also protected. When they are chased off their nests, it can expose the eggs or chicks to the elements and predators. Visit the Seabird Protection Network.