The State - News from Aug. 26, 1987

Federal and state wildlife biologists captured seven more California sea otters off the coast of San Luis Obispo County for relocation to San Nicholas Island, bringing the total now held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to 22, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials said. The first 15 were caught despite opposition from fishermen and divers who said they will file a lawsuit to stop the operation. As soon as their number reaches 25, the sea otters will be airlifted from the aquarium to San Nicholas Island, 55 miles southwest of Santa Catalina. By the end of the summer, the first 70 of 250 sea otters expected to be relocated in an effort to protect them from potential oil spills will be moved there.