[コラム]広がるラツコの分布域

摘要

Since 1990s, sea otters (mostly males) have been occasionally observed singly or in small groups along the eastern coast of Hokkaido. In 2014 and 2015,female and pup pairs were seen along the coast of Nemuro Peninsula. These are the first breeding record in Hokkaido Island after commercial exploitation. Range expansion of otters are expected in the near future, and it will generate concern about competition with commercial fisheries.