Sea otter distribution aerial survey, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Sea otters may be expanding their range along the Lack Clark National Park and Preserve (LACL) coast. Because of the unique history of sea otter extirpation and impending reoccupation, and the presence of razor clams and bears, the LACL coast provides a unique opportunity to begin to study the cascading effects of sea otter reoccupation on the coastal habitat. These surveys provide a baseline of sea otter distribution along the LACL coast. As such, these data streams should be considered for re-sampling in the future as conditions change. Establishment of this baseline will improve park management abilities to assign causes of observed change.