“A conservation miracle is colliding with a coastal livelihood. As sea otters return to Washington’s shores, the ecosystem celebrates — but local fishing families are paying the price.”By: Jake Miller
The Conflict
The ecological victory of the sea otter is turning into an economic crisis for Washington’s coastal families as otters consume valuable crab and shellfish.
The Ecological Base
Sea otters were reintroduced as a conservation triumph —but their expanding appetite is now reshaping entire coastal food webs.They consume massive amounts of shellfish daily, creating a pressure point that Washington’s coastal towns can’t ignore.
A Costly Comeback
The otters’ recovery is a win for nature—but a growing threat for crabbers.
The Human Cost
Coastal families are watching livelihoods disappear as sea otters consume high-value shellfish faster than local economies can recover.