In this episode, I am joined by Samantha Hamilton, a marine biologist whose work dives deep into this remarkable recovery. Samantha is a PhD researcher studying sea otter foraging behavior, prey preferences, and ecological impact at Cape Kiritappu, one of the few places in Japan where sea otters have reestablished a permanent population. Her research marks one of the first efforts to understand how these endangered animals are shaping Hokkaido’s coastal ecosystems as they return.

Beyond her doctoral work, Samantha is also part of Sea Otter Savvy, a California-based conservation and outreach program dedicated to protecting southern sea otters and promoting responsible wildlife viewing. Through her work on both sides of the Pacific, she explores how science, community, and storytelling can come together to support the conservation of one of the ocean’s most beloved species. In this episode, we’ll uncover the story of Japan’s rebounding sea otters, how they hunt, how they heal their habitats, and how researchers like Samantha are working to ensure their survival in a changing world.Because saving sea otters isn’t just about science, it’s about rebuilding connections between species, coasts, and cultures.

Samantha’s IG: rakko.research

Sabines IG: sabinemprobst

Impact Storytelling IG: impact.storytelling.podcast

Seen Blue Conservation IG: seenblue_org

Cover Photo by Samantha Hamilton