AN ESTIMATION OF CARRYING CAPACITY FOR SEA OTTERS ALONG THE CALIFORNIA COAST

摘要: Carrying capacity (K) for the California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) was estimated as a product of density otters at equilibrium within portion their existing range and total area available habitat. Equilibrium densities were determined using number observed during spring surveys in 1994, 1995, 1996 each three habitat types where currently exist. Potential defined from coastline to 40-m isobath classified rocky, sandy, or mixed according amount kelp rocky substrate area. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program. mean that could be supported by marine environment depth 40 m 15,941 (95% CI 13,538-18,577). GIS-based approach incorporated detailed bathymetric contours, produced repeatable accurate estimates, served an innovative method measuring We believe described this paper represents best information on how population would distributed along coast.