After missing from the Oregon coast for more than a century, sea otters are getting a step closer to staging a comeback. Local tribes and nonprofits have received a grant to lead the planning effort to reintroduce the endearing mammals that are considered a keystone species crucial to restoring the state’s dwindling underwater kelp forests and controlling invasive sea urchin populations. “They’re the guardians of the kelp forests,” said Jane Bacchieri, executive director of the Elakha Alliance, an Oregon-based nonprofit focused on bringing back sea otters. Read more at the link in our bio. 📸: The Associated Press #seaotters #oregon #oregoncoast #california #westcoast #conservation #theoregonian