Exploiting sea otter populations: A simulation analysis

We used a Leslie matrix population model to investigate the impact of a range of harvest rates proposed for Alaskan sea otters (Enhydra lutris). The simulation included an analysis of several population mechanisms that might be important in the natural regulation of sea otter populations or in their reactions to harvesting. Significant differences in equilibrium population levels were found between compensatory mechanisms when fixed harvest rates were applied for 25-year periods. Adult harvests set at 2 and 4% of the total population showed that new stable population levels were rapidly attained. Harvest rates of 8 and 10%, however, resulted in marked population declines in simulated harvests. This analysis demonstrates that limited harvesting can be sustained by the population and that otter population compensation responses will be a critical determinant of sustainable harvest rates of sea otter populations.