IntroductionSea otters (Enhydra lutris) are marine mammals capable of spending their entire lives in water. Being carnivorous in nature, they feed on sea urchins, crabs, fish, mussels and clams. They are designated as keystone species due to their profound impact on marine ecology. The interaction between sea otters, sea urchins, and kelp forests has been studied as a model for the impact of predator-prey interactions on community ecology. Sea otters are key predators, whose presence has a far-reaching influence on the marine food web by affecting sea urchin populations, which indirectly affects kelp forest populations and other marine organisms. There has been a sharp decline in sea otter populations due to water pollution and fur exploitation. This has negatively affected marine ecology. It is therefore suggested that sea otters be included in the endangered species list to protect them from further exploitation. This study focuses on sea otter community ecology and their impact on marine ecology. The need for their inclusion in the list of endangered species and the implications of such action are also assessed. Community ecologySea otters prey on many herbivorous invertebrates, including sea urchins. Sea urchins feed on kelp forests, which provide an important habitat for fish and other marine organisms. A high sea urchin population has a negative effect on kelp forests. Because sea otters prey on sea urchins, their populations are...... center of paper......=SMURF_otter.pdfCommunity Ecology. eaglenet.lambut.edu. Network. 28 July 2011. http://eaglenet.lambut.edu/facultyweb/science/biology/RCook/community%20ecologyS10.pdfImpacts on biodiversity. Quebec biodiversity website. Network. 28 July 2011.< http://redpath-museum.mcgill.ca/Qbp/3.Conservation/impacts.htm>Interaction with algae and sea otters. asnailsodyssey.com. Network. July 28, 2011. http://www.asnailsodyssey.com/LEARNABOUT/URCHIN/urchPopu.phpLaidre, Kristin L. “Community Ecology of the Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris).” staff.washington.edu. Network. July 28, 2011. Soule, Michael E et al. “Ecological Effectiveness: Conservation Goals for Interactive Species.” Conservation biology 17.5 (2003) : 1238-1250.