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Joel Sartore- Photo Ark
@joelsartore

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Southern sea otters are what scientists refer to as a keystone species. Simply put, this means that if sea otters were to disappear, the health and balance of the ecosystem would decline, potentially beyond repair. In the 19th century, hunting left as few as 50 otters off the coast of California. Now protected, the California population has grown to several thousand animals today, but they still need our help in order to thrive in the wild. So, what can you do? Refrain from using fertilizers on your lawn or garden. These contaminants are washed into the ocean from land, bringing chemicals and parasites that can cause disease and death in otters and other marine species. By keeping your green space all-natural, you support sea otter populations and many of our pollinator friends that also benefit from chemical free yards! Photo taken @aquariumpacific. #seaotter #animal #wildlife #photography #animalphotography #wildlifephotography #studioportrait #SeaOtterAwarenessWeek #PhotoArk @insidenatgeo