Presented by Robert Bailey

Once common on the Oregon coast, sea otters were hunted nearly to extinction for their rich fur by the early 1900s.  Although they have returned elsewhere, they remain missing on the Oregon coast.  What will it take to help this keystone species return to Oregon?   This talk will explore the history of sea otters in Oregon, their ecological and cultural importance, and the prospects for their return and recovery.  It will touch on the mission of the Elakha Alliance, an Oregon non-profit organization devoted to sea otter conservation.

Robert Bailey is the board president of the Elakha Alliance, an Oregon non-profit organization dedicated to returning sea otters to the Oregon coast. He grew up on the Oregon coast and is a graduate of Portland State University with a Bachelor’s in Earth Science.

He retired in 2011 after nearly 30 years of working on coastal and ocean planning and management for the State of Oregon Coastal Management Program. He has served on the board of directors of the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and the Oregon Wave Energy Trust. When not working to bring sea otters back to Oregon, he enjoys playing guitar with friends and making sure the front yard is presentable.

MEETING LOCATION:
OSU Extension Lincoln County
1211 SE Bay Blvd
Newport, OR 97365

This event is sponsored by Yaquina Birders and Naturalists.