Since 1987 there has existed a "No-Otter Zone" stretching from Point Conception (near Santa Barbara) to the Mexican border. Sea otters are forbidden from swimming into this zone, and if found violating this rule, are liable under current law to be picked up and brought back north of the zone.

Southern sea otters are a charismatic species whose numbers are dwindling in California, with only 2,700 living in a small range from Half Moon Bay to Santa Barbara, California. This iconic marine mammal is considered an apex predator, a sentinel species, and a keystone species - making it an integral part of the coastal ecosystem and essential for the growth of kelp forests. Sea otters are also important to local economies by attracting tourism and creating jobs.

Last year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released a draft environmental review and proposed to end the no-otter zone off the coast of Southern California. In November, FWS received thousands of comments from the public in support of this proposed decision. FWS is required to make a final decision to end the zone by December this year.

Unfortunately, those who oppose the sea otter's recovery have chosen not to wait until December.

Rep. Gallegly (R – Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties) introduced H.R. 4043, a bill that represents a full step backwards in sea otter conservation. Though deceptively titled as legislation that promotes the recovery of the threatened southern sea otter, the “Military Readiness and Southern Sea Otter Conservation Act“ would in fact undermine the current process of ending the antiquated no-otter zone that was established in 1987. The no-otter zone has failed in its purpose and must end in order to allow sea otters to swim freely and recover their numbers.

We must act now to ensure the process to end the no-otter zone continues, and that a final decision is made by December of this year. Sea otters should be allowed to swim freely! Write to your representatives today and urge them to OPPOSE H.R. 4043 and SUPPORT the recovery of the southern sea otter and a healthy coastal ecosystem.

For more information, visit http://www.seaotters.org/disabling.html.