#199 | Sea Otters & Kelp Forests: Rewilding Oregon’s Coast with Chanel Hason

In this episode of Rewildology, Brooke sits down with Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach and Community Relations at Elakha Alliance, to explore the ambitious effort to reintroduce sea otters to Oregon’s coastline. Chanel shares her incredible journey from marine biologist to conservation advocate and how Elakha Alliance is working with tribes, scientists, and local communities to restore balance to marine ecosystems. We dive into the vital role sea otters play in controlling sea urchin populations, protecting kelp forests, and fostering resilience along the coast. You’ll learn how grassroots conservation efforts are making waves and why restoring sea otters could be key to Oregon’s coastal future. Visit the website to read the full show notes. Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles. Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite. Donate to the show. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:07 The Absence of Sea Otters on the Oregon Coast 00:46 Meet Chanel Hason: From Marine Biologist to Community Leader 03:28 Chanel's Journey: From SeaWorld to Miss Scuba 10:13 The Historical Context of Sea Otters in the U.S. 14:09 The Founding of the Elakha Alliance 16:11 The Impact of Missing Predators on Oregon's Marine Ecosystems 22:31 Efforts to Reintroduce Sea Otters to Oregon 28:12 Socioeconomic Considerations and Future Prospects 31:03 Conservation Tourism and Sea Otters 32:11 Indigenous Communities and Sea Otters 35:22 The Importance of Sea Otters in Ecosystems 40:07 Challenges and Strategies for Kelp Forest Restoration 43:13 Future Goals and Political Advocacy 49:07 Personal Journey and Career Advice 53:42 Supporting Alaka and Sea Otter Conservation 55:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts