From an ecological standpoint, otters exemplify a keystone species whose influence ripples through trophic levels. Their predation on sea urchins prevents overgrazing of kelp, which in turn supports complex food webs, enhances biodiversity, and stabilizes shorelines against erosion. Studies show that kelp forests with healthy otter populations have higher fish biomass and greater resilience to storm events. This top-down control illustrates how predator presence can shape entire ecosystems, a concept central to modern conservation biology.