CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : ROHNERT PARK : Sea Otter Recovery Imperils Fisheries

Federal wildlife officials hoping to increase the sea otter population on the California coast admit success would probably drive the area’s sea urchin fisheries out of business within 20 years. It also probably would end most abalone sport fishing, wildlife officials said during hearings on the government’s sea otter recovery program. Sea otters consume large amounts of urchin and shellfish. However, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials say they are not required to consider the economic impact of recovery programs. “We’re not really allowed to compromise with an endangered species,” said Carl Benz of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.