Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem, Hardcover Book, By: Patricia Newman

A Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book A Green Earth Book Award Winner This up-close look at a fascinating scientific discovery highlights the critical role predators such as sea otters play in keeping ecosystems healthy. In Elkhorn Slough, an inlet on the California coast, sea grass grows healthy and strong in the shallow water. This healthy sea grass baffled marine biologist Brent Hughes. The scientist expected this estuary to be overrun with algae, causing the sea grass to die. Why was the sea grass thriving?|As Brent investigated, signs pointed to an unexpected player helping to keep the sea grass healthy: sea otters! What do these top predators have to do with an aquatic grass at the opposite end of the food chain? Brent's amazing discovery gave scientists insight into the delicate balance of ecosystems. Follow science in action as Brent conducts the research that led to this major discovery.