Sea Otters: A Survival Story

by Isabelle Groc, Judi Dench (Foreword by), David F. Mills MBE, Founder and owner of the British Wildlife Centre (Foreword by)

Overview

Sea otters once ruled the Pacific Ocean, but the fur trade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries brought this predator to near extinction.

Today they’re slowly coming back from the brink, and scientists are learning more about their pivotal role as one of nature’s keystone species. This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and uncertain future of sea otters. Author and photojournalist Isabelle Groc takes us into the field: watching sea otter rafts off the British Columbia coast from a kayak, exploring what makes their fur coats so special, understanding how their voracious appetites are helping kelp forests thrive and, ultimately, learning how sea otters are leaving their mark (or paws) on every part of the ecosystem. They might be one of the most adorable creatures in the ocean, but kids will discover how their survival is key to a rich, complex and connected ecosystem.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459817371
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	04/28/2020
Series:	Orca Wild , #3
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1210L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Isabelle Groc is a writer, wildlife photographer and filmmaker who specializes in wildlife conservation, endangered species and the relationships between people and wildlife in a rapidly changing world. With degrees in journalism from Columbia University and urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she brings a unique perspective to documenting the impacts of human activities on threatened species and habitats. Born in the South of France, with family roots in Spain, Isabelle now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

With the return of sea otters on the Pacific Coast, Isabelle has had the opportunity to witness an extraordinary ecological story unfold in her backyard of British Columbia for over ten years. She spent extended periods of time documenting sea otters and the coastal communities they influence.

Table of Contents

Foreword vi

Introduction 1

Never Give Up 5

A Species on the Verge of Extinction 6

A Voracious Appetite 14

Bringing Up Baby 21

A Keystone Star Is Born 27

A World without Sea Otters 27

Sea Otters, Kelp and Sea Urchins 29

The Wealth of Kelp Forests 40

Unexpected Homes, Surprising Friends 53

At Home in an Estuary 53

Sea Otters and Seagrass 63

Salt Marsh in Trouble 64

Abalone's Best Friend? 69

Sea Otters and Sea Stars 71

Living with Sea Others 79

Sea Otters vs Humans 79

Learning to Live with Sea Otters Again 88

Could There Be More for All? 90

A Fragile Species 94

Helping Sea Otters 101

An Unfinished Story 110

Glossary 112

Resources 114

Acknowledgements 116

Index 118

Editorial Reviews

The text is accessible with a fairly straightforward factual style that works well for the serious nature of the topic...Young readers interested in species at risk and wildlife conservation will enjoy the learning experience provided. Highly Recommended.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Isabelle Groc's Sea Otters: A Survival Story is a delight—and not just because sea otters are a delight. The book is accessible, well researched, informative and very attractive. All ages will enjoy this book.

Robert Bateman

This book is a masterpiece of children’s nonfiction about nature. With pages of stunning photographs and easy-to-read text about the history, science and ecological heroics of sea otters, this book is a must-have for every budding naturalist and every lover of sea otters.

Kai Chan

The sea otter’s story holds lessons for everyone. Isabelle Groc has provided a great service to nature and human society by teaching these lessons to the next generation in an accurate and compelling manner.

James A. Estes

Groc's personal admiration for these intriguing mammals is evident in her descriptive writing, clear explanations, and well-documented and captioned color photographs. A compelling wake-up call for protecting the environment.

Booklist

A good book for students who are interested in animals, the environment, or who just love sea otters...It would be a worthwhile addition to collections serving upper elementary and middle school students.

School Library Connection

"In this beautiful book, Isabelle tells us an important story, one that gives us hope...Young people will be encouraged to see that positive change can happen, and that we can all do something to help preserve our planet."

Dame Judi Dench

This is a good news story, beautifully told by a passionate advocate for healthy seas full of life. Isabelle Groc reveals how sea otters—some of the cutest, furriest, smartest mammals around—are making a triumphant return to the Pacific coast of North America, kick-starting the recovery of this fabulously rich marine ecosystem.

Ben Hoare

03/01/2020

Gr 4–7—Sea otters are cute, smart, and endangered. Author and wildlife photographer Groc shows readers the history of sea otters, their recovery from near-extinction, and what people can do to help save these marine animals. The book features full-color photographs and, much like its series predecessors, the text explains how humans have made an impact on a species and provides conservation tips. The book describes what otters eat, where they live, how they raise their pups, and the difficulties prey, humans, and changing ecosystems have imposed on them throughout the years. Nested between chapters are sections ("In the Field") where a biologist or person who works closely with sea otters discusses their job or role in helping sea otters thrive. VERDICT This very relevant book on climate change and endangered species is a strong choice for all nonfiction collections. Give to readers who are interested in books that show how to make a real difference for the overall welfare of the planet.—Anna Taylor, Darien Library, CT

School Library Journal

2020-01-21
Sea otters, nearly driven to extinction by human fur-hunters, have bounced back and surprised scientists with their importance to their environment.

In this account of species survival, part of the Orca Wild series, writer and wildlife photographer Groc argues forcefully for the importance of sea otters to their ecosystem, not only along the coasts of the northern Pacific Ocean, but also in its estuaries. She describes the nature and habits of these intriguing sea mammals as well as the historical effect of their loss on their surrounding natural world. When the otters disappeared, so did the kelp forests, but sea urchins, clams, and other invertebrates thrived. With their reintroduction, the kelp grew rapidly, and the invertebrates became more difficult to harvest or disappeared. Though clearly on the side of the otters as “ecosystem engineers” at the top of the food chain, she also presents the points of view of fishermen and Indigenous peoples who had relied on the shellfish. “In the Field” sections introduce scientists (both male and female, mostly white-presenting), citizen-science volunteers, and First Nations members, offering a variety of perspectives. The text flows smoothly and often includes personal examples. Groc’s photographs, taken in Alaska, British Columbia, and California, demonstrate the animal’s appeal. Patricia Newman’s Sibert Honor book Sea Otter Heroes (2014) focuses on the estuary research; this well-researched portrayal is a broader look suitable for the same audience.

A thorough introduction to an appealing keystone species. (glossary, resources, acknowledgments, index not seen) (Nonfiction. 10-15)

Kirkus Reviews