where do sea otters live

Sea otters live in the coastal waters of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. They are commonly found in shallow nearshore environments typically less than a kilometer from the shore and in waters about 15 to 23 meters (49 to 75 feet) deep. Their preferred habitats include rocky coastlines, thick kelp forests, barrier reefs, and bays, which offer protection from ocean winds and swells. They inhabit coastal areas along the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, California, Russia, northern Japan (Hokkaido), and parts of Mexico. Sea otters tend to stay within a small home range throughout the year and are mostly coastal marine residents.