The Waters of Uyak Bay are Overflowing with One of the Richest and Most Diverse Marine Ecosystems in the World
Kodiak has some of the most diverse varieties of sea life found in the world with whales, sea lions, sea otters, Dall's porpoises and many other species of marine animals.
We strongly encourage guests to experience the richness of the Uyak Bay habitat and spend time on a marine wildlife view.
The Sea Otter
One of the most fascinating animals in Uyak Bay is the sea otter. Hunted to near extinction between the 1700's and early 1900's, numbers fell from 150,000-300,000 down to just 1,000-2,000 individuals. An international ban on hunting coupled with conservation efforts has lead to a dramatic resurgence in sea otter numbers (up to over 100,000 by the 1970's), making it an important marine conservation success story.
Unlike most other marine animals, the sea otter lacks blubber. It is able to survive in the harsh cold of the northern oceans due to its exceptionally thick fur, the densest of all animals.
Sea otters feed on sea urchins, crabs, clams, mussels, octopus and fish and dive down up to 250 feet. They are a joy to watch and can be frequently observed floating around on their backs as they crack clams on their bellies.