Sea otters dramatically change the structure and complexity of their ecological community.
Sea otters increase diversity and productivity.
By consuming 'grazers,' the animals that feed on kelp, the sea otter enhances kelp production. California kelp forests are the most diverse ecosystem of the temperate latitudes on earth. Sea otters do not cause the local extinction of species. Abalone numbers are often high within the sea otters range. However, the abalones are restricted to deep crevices, out of reach of otter and human harvesters.