July 16, 2009 - Recent reports from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have shown that southern sea otter populations are once again on the decline. Unlike previous decades where overhunting and fishing were the key causes, at least 50 percent of otter deaths are now due to a variety of infectious diseases, parasites and pollution.
Despite the sea otter's listing on the Endangered Species list, federal funding for sea otter research has always been very limited, and has declined considerably in the last three years. Today there is no funding to enable California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) to conduct research as to why sea otters are dying and what can be done about it. Private funding, and research grants have helped, but these sources have also dried up.
For the last several years, California tax check-off funds have helped fill this funding gap. The tax check-off is a way that taxpayers can easily donate to a cause of their choice from a list on their tax return. However, the number of taxpayers selecting to contribute to the Sea Otter Fund option in 2009 is lower than it was last year at this time. If the Sea Otter Fund tax check-off fails to bring in $262,000, it will be removed from the California income tax form, wiping out a critical funding source for sea otter research and habitat protection. Taxpayers have already contributed $220,000. We need just $42,000 to ensure this fund survives. We're close, but still need your help.
If you have not yet paid your taxes (or if you have filed for an extension), please consider checking off the sea otter box. Even those who have already paid their California income taxes can help by submitting another tax form, checking the box, and enclosing a check. This will send a clear message to the Franchise Tax Board that Californians want to save their sea otters and preserve their tax check-off options.
For more information on the sea otter tax check-off, visit www.SaveSeaOtters.org. Thank you for your help on this critical issue!
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