In the late 20th century, commercial exploitation and habitat degradation led to a severe decline in the population of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris) along a stretch of the California coastline.

Following the designation of a marine protected area (MPA) and the implementation of strict conservation protocols, marine biologists have monitored the recovery of the otter population by conducting annual censuses of breeding adults.

In 1982, only 16 breeding adults were recorded in the protected zone. By 2024, the number of breeding adults had increased to 532.