Otter study to examine habitat differences in Southeast

Otter study to examine habitat differences in Southeast 

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excerpt from the article written by Ellen Chenowith, KCAW Raven Radio, Sitka:
"Marine mammal biologist Dr. Heidi Pearson is interested in learning more about how sea otter feeding habits may be changing the ecology of Sitka Sound. Pearson is a newly appointed Assistant Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau. Pearson believes that by feeding on sea urchins, otters stabilize the kelp forests. Without otters to keep them in check, urchins act like spiny lumberjacks by gnawing through the stalks that connect kelp to the sea floor."