Researchers from the University of British Columbia have made a concerning discovery, identifying toxic PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," within sea otters inhabiting the coastal waters of British Columbia.
The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, mirrors earlier UBC findings of high PFAS levels harming local orca populations, indicating a broader contamination issue.
Alarming Concentrations Near Urban Centers
For this first-of-its-kind study in B.C., the research team analyzed liver and muscle samples from 11 deceased sea otters collected between 2016 and 2021. The results confirmed the presence of eight different PFAS compounds in every single animal.
The data revealed a stark urban-rural divide. Concentrations were three times higher on average in otters found near major population centers and busy shipping routes, such as those around Victoria and Tofino.
Lead author Dana Price, a master's student at UBC's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, explained that this pattern is directly linked to proximity to industrial plants, landfills, and densely populated communities, which are common sources of these persistent chemicals.
Ecosystem Impacts and Health Risks
While the PFAS levels detected in otters are not yet as severe as those found in orcas, Price emphasized they are still deeply concerning. These substances can suppress the immune systems of sea otters, leaving them more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
The health of sea otters is critically important for the entire coastal ecosystem. They are a keystone species, primarily feeding on sea urchins. Without otters to control their numbers, urchin populations can explode and decimate kelp forests.
These underwater forests are vital carbon sinks that help combat climate change. A separate UBC study on sea star wasting disease highlighted how the loss of predators can lead to urchins destroying kelp beds, underscoring the otter's essential role.
A Baseline for Future Research
Price noted that while finding PFAS in marine mammals is increasingly common globally, this study provides a crucial baseline for monitoring contamination levels in B.C. over time.
This is particularly important for sea otters, which are still in the process of recovering from near extinction during the Pacific fur trade. The presence of these human-made chemicals, used in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and soap, adds another challenge to their conservation.
The research adds to a growing and disturbing body of evidence showing how prevalent forever chemicals have become in the marine environment, with potential consequences for wildlife and human health, including links to cancer.
