ORF-E
German
1 x 45 min, 1 x 52 min

This captivating documentary explores the lives of the often-overlooked sea otters that live along California’s coast. Known as relaxed marine mammals and skilled hunters, the otters also play an important role in maintaining the kelp forests that are threatened by rising temperatures and growing numbers of sea urchins. These underwater forests store large amounts of carbon dioxide and are an important tool in the fight against climate change. The film features spectacular footage of the lives of sea otters and also examines the hard work of the Monterey Bay Aquarium biologists who fight to protect the endangered species. California’s sea otters live in dense, species-rich underwater forests of giant algae, known as kelp forests. Here they find food and shelter to raise their young. However, rising water temperatures and the mass reproduction of voracious sea urchins have destroyed most of the kelp forests, leaving only a few remaining. Researchers are now feverishly searching for ways to save what remains. Sea otters play a key role in this: they eat sea urchins, thus keeping the enchanting underwater jungle alive. An important side effect: kelp binds huge amounts of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, thereby slowing down global warming. Otters are becoming animal warriors for the climate.
Through spectacular underwater footage, the film follows the family life of sea-otters and other kelp dwellers and shows the struggle of dedicated biologists at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium to ensure the survival of this endangered species.