Sea Otter Gene Transcription Data from Kodiak, the Alaska Peninsula, and Prince William Sound, Alaska, 2005-2012

This data set includes capture location, date, sex, and results of molecular gene transcription analysis for sea otters (Enhydra lutris) sampled in western Prince William Sound (WPWS), Alaska and comparison samples collected from Kodiak and the Alaska Peninsula, and reference samples collected from captive animals. Samples were collected between 2005 and 2012.

(Molecular gene transcription is the process by which information from the DNA template of a particular gene is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) and eventually translated into a functional protein. The amount of mRNA transcribed from a particular gene is physiologically dictated. Altered levels of gene transcripts provide observable signs of health impairment.)