Merinisäkäs

Merinisäkäs is the Finnish name for the marine mammal known in English as the sea otter. This designation refers to a specific species, Enhydra lutris, which is the smallest marine mammal in North America. Merinisäkäs are found along the northern and eastern North Pacific coasts.

The primary diet of the merinisäkäs consists of invertebrates such as sea urchins, various mollusks including clams and mussels, and crustaceans like crabs. They are known for their tool use, often employing rocks to break open hard-shelled prey. Merinisäkäs are also recognizable by their habit of floating on their backs, sometimes holding hands with other sea otters to prevent drifting apart while sleeping or resting.

Historically, merinisäkäs were hunted extensively for their thick and valuable fur, which led to a drastic decline in their populations. Conservation efforts and increased protection have allowed some populations to recover, although they still face threats from oil spills, habitat loss, and predation. The presence of merinisäkäs is often considered an indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem due to their role in controlling sea urchin populations, which can otherwise decimate kelp forests.