Aegert. “How Much Is an Otter Worth? For Ecotourism-Millions, a New Study Finds.” Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, 19 Sept. 2023, www.middlebury.edu/institute/news/how-much-otter-worth-ecotourism-millions-new-study-finds.
A recent study, conducted by Middlebury Institute students, examined the economic significance of southern sea otters, a keystone species. The study, surveyed visitors in Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough. Findings found that tourists contribute around $3.2 million annually in direct spending, with an additional $1.85 million in indirect economic gains, supporting over 300 jobs. The leading investigator Charles Cogan highlighted the importance of understanding otters’ economic benefits for engaging stakeholders in conservation efforts, in areas like Morro Bay and San Francisco Bay.
Despite challenges like competition with fishermen, the study underscores the economic value of otters and their role in helping uphold recreational opportunities. This article showed that ecotourism can work hand in hand with economic development and is a very good way to promote ecosystem health.
I found this very interesting as I have been to Moss Landing before after my family was driving down the highway and we saw two sea otters in this harbor and turned around to see them up close. This made us end up driving around the whole town which was small and seemed sort of empty. I had no idea it had such a large and prosperous tourism industry. This seems great for the town as like you said there are more jobs, and a better economy, but also for otters and nature as people protect and likely treat them well in order to help their economy. Do you think there are any downsides to this ecostourism for the otters, does it seem like it does not effect them, or would it only benefit them? How so?