Effects Of Extinction On Hierarchy Of Living Things:
When one species is eliminated from its environment, this can have detrimental affects on the rest of the system in which it lives. If the British Columbia Sea Otter were to be eliminated, this would affect many aspects of its system, including the food chain hierarchy and the populations of various other species. If one species in a food web is removed, the organisms above it that feed on that species will be forced to find other sources of food or starve. The organisms below that species in the food chain hierarchy will become overpopulated because there will no longer be that species feeding on them to keep the population numbers down. In general, all species are necessary to continue a ideal environment and balance in the ecosystem.
For example, he Canadian Sea Otter's are know as omnivores, in other words, they prefer to eat plants and animals. Sea Otters will eat seaslugs, clams, kelp, sea stars, sea urchins, larger fish, crabs... etc. If the Sea Otter were to be eliminated, the populations of these organisms would increase, disrupting the balance in the ecosystem. The sea otter population would decrease, resulting in no limiting factors for the populations of other organisms of which the otters feed on.
Some animals that prey on sea otters on the food chain include killer whales, eagles, white sharks, large fish and other large animals. If the Sea Otter is a major component of these animals' diets, then if it were to be eliminated, these animals would be forced to seek other sources of food. If the killer whales, eagles, white sharks, large fish and other large animals were not able to find other sources of food, they may starve and their population would be in danger. This could cause another species to become at risk or become extinct.
Some animals that prey on sea otters on the food chain include killer whales, eagles, white sharks, large fish and other large animals. If the Sea Otter is a major component of these animals' diets, then if it were to be eliminated, these animals would be forced to seek other sources of food. If the killer whales, eagles, white sharks, large fish and other large animals were not able to find other sources of food, they may starve and their population would be in danger. This could cause another species to become at risk or become extinct.
Protection
Federal Protection
The Sea Otter is protected by the Marine Mammal Regulations in the federal Fisheries Act. These regulations make it an offence to kill, harm, or harass marine mammals. It occurs in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where it is protected by the Canada National Parks Act (3). The species is listed as Threatened under the British Columbia Wildlife Act. Under this Act, it is prohibited to kill, capture, harass, or trade this species, or to destroy its habitat.
The Sea Otters are also protected under the Endangered Species Act, 1973 (ESA). The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) is administered by the U.S. Departments of Interior and Commerce (1). It seeks to stop the extinction of wild animals and plants in the United States, other nations, and at sea. Under the ESA, the neotropical, northern, marine, giant, and clawless otters are listed as "endangered" (species faces a very high risk of extinction).
The Sea Otters are also protected under the IUCN/The World Conservation Union. The IUCN/The World Conservation Union is a worldwide conservation organization. This organization links together government agencies, non-government agencies, and independent states to encourage a worldwide approach to conservation (3). The IUCN/The World Conservation Union lists the marine, giant, southern river, and northern sea otters are listed as "endangered" (species has a very high risk of extinction).
The Sea Otter is protected by the Marine Mammal Regulations in the federal Fisheries Act. These regulations make it an offence to kill, harm, or harass marine mammals. It occurs in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where it is protected by the Canada National Parks Act (3). The species is listed as Threatened under the British Columbia Wildlife Act. Under this Act, it is prohibited to kill, capture, harass, or trade this species, or to destroy its habitat.
The Sea Otters are also protected under the Endangered Species Act, 1973 (ESA). The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) is administered by the U.S. Departments of Interior and Commerce (1). It seeks to stop the extinction of wild animals and plants in the United States, other nations, and at sea. Under the ESA, the neotropical, northern, marine, giant, and clawless otters are listed as "endangered" (species faces a very high risk of extinction).
The Sea Otters are also protected under the IUCN/The World Conservation Union. The IUCN/The World Conservation Union is a worldwide conservation organization. This organization links together government agencies, non-government agencies, and independent states to encourage a worldwide approach to conservation (3). The IUCN/The World Conservation Union lists the marine, giant, southern river, and northern sea otters are listed as "endangered" (species has a very high risk of extinction).
Sea otters have been protected by the International Fur Seal Treaty since 1911 (2). This treaty between U.S., Canada, Russia, Japan, and Great Britain was established to ban large-scale commercial hunting of sea otters to allow their populations to recover. Since then, sea otter numbers have increased (3).
Take Action!
Sea otters are a sentinel, one of the most sensitive and useful wildlife sentinels ever found, of toxins, bacteria, parasites and chemicals flowing from land to sea (8). The effects on sea otters and their populations are so severe that these various forms of pollution are one of the more important reasons sea otters are not recovering from their “threatened” state. And, it essentially all comes from land – which means it comes from us.. The good news is that we can all make a difference by reconsidering our own habits and encouraging others to do the same. Here are a few things to think about (8):
- Reduce (especially reduce your plastic consumption and don’t use plastic bags or bottles), Reuse, Recycle!
- Dispose of hazardous waste (paint, batteries, medication, electronics ...etc.) properly by taking those items to your local hazardous waste site! Be conscientious of everything that you put down your drain since most of it will eventually make its way back into rivers, streams, and the ocean.
- Use non-toxic, environmentally friendly household cleaners and detergents
- Landscape (greenscape) your yard! Planted areas absorb rainwater which helps reduce runoff into storm drains. Reduce or eliminate your use of pesticides and fertilizers. Instead use organic gardening techniques and plant native species that require less water. Try composting and starting your own garden.
- Don’t dump anything into storm drains! Everything that enters a storm drain flows directly into streams, rivers and ultimately the ocean. Don’t litter. And If you see some trash, pick it up!
- Inspect your car regularly for leaks and if you change your oil yourself, recycle it.
- Don’t hose down your driveway and sidewalk, sweep them. Try to use less water in any form.
- Pick up after your dog! (This one is mandatory in any situation)
- Use less and buy less stuff to slow down your contribution to the waste stream and landfills.
- When purchasing goods, opt for sustainable, recycled, biodegradable, compostable, organic products whenever possible. Buy from companies that care about the environment. Buy local to reduce the need of products that have a large amount of preservatives and chemicals in them.
- Save energy at home and switch to renewable power sources if you can. Install energy efficient thermostats, appliances, electronics and light bulbs and recycle the old ones in an appropriate behaviour that was said above.
- If you don’t know how big your carbon footprint is, find out and then reduce it.
- Volunteer for a beach cleanup or organize one of your own and learn more about ocean issues and share what you learn with others.