Science Pub Portland: Sea Otters: The Ghosts of the Oregon Coast
with Michele Zwartjes, PhD, Field Supervisor for the Oregon Coast Field Office - United States Fish and Wildlife Service. JUNE 6, 7-9PM | Doors @ 6PM | Advance tickets recommended; $5 suggested donation You’ll see them at the Oregon Zoo. You’ll see them at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. But one place you won’t see sea otters is off the coast of Oregon. Although many people assume they just haven’t been fortunate enough to see one in the wild, sea otters were eliminated from nearly the entire Pacific coast by hunting for the maritime fur trade of the 1700 and 1800s. Populations have recovered in some areas over time, but today sea otters remain absent from nearly a thousand miles of their historical range between northern California and Washington. In this talk, biologist Michele Zwartjes will introduce you to the smallest of our marine mammals, the sea otter, and their outsized influence on the structure and function of marine ecosystems. The presence of sea otters is generally associated with increased biodiversity, enhancement of kelp and seagrass beds, and even increased carbon sequestration. Join us to learn about the history of the sea otter’s near extinction, past recovery efforts, and why the possible reintroduction of the sea otter to the coast of Oregon is currently a hot topic of discussion. Dr. Michele Zwartjes is an endangered species biologist and Field Supervisor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Oregon Coast Field Office. Michele holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of California, San Diego, and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of New Mexico; she has worked on the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species in the Pacific Region for more than 20 years. Michele authored the Service’s feasibility assessment of sea otter reintroduction to the Pacific Coast, released in July 2022, with co-authors Lilian Carswell and Michelle St. Martin. The feasibility assessment and information about potential sea otter reintroduction is available online at the Service’s website here. Michele enjoys camping, hiking with her dog Skyler, and generally being in the great outdoors as far away from her computer as possible. Zoom Option If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance using this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Check out the FAQs below for answers about food options, parking, etc. Click here to sign up for the Science Pub Newsletter. Questions? Email sciencepub@omsi.edu Ticketing questions call 503.797.4000 x0Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers! Explore frequently asked questions. For more information please contact us at sciencepub@OMSI.edu or (503) 797-4000.
If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on zoom. You must register in advance via the link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
To guarantee a seat at this event, we recommend you purchase your ticket in advance. Please show your ticket at the check-in table in front of the theater upon arrival.
We will always have tickets available at the door. They are first-come, first-served and admission will remain a suggested donation.
Yes, OMSI’s restaurant, Theory will be open with pizza and salads. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.
Beginning in June, the parking situation is changing and there could be a small fee.
