Off the coast of Cape Tofutsu in Hamanaka, Hokkaido, sea otters have become a more common sight, with current estimates suggesting more than 50 of these endangered marine mammals reside in the region. This increase in population, which can be traced back to successful conservation efforts, has unfortunately led to complications as tourists, eager to capture close-up footage, often operate drones near otter herds, causing the animals distress and forcing them to retreat into deeper waters for extended periods.

Marine mammalogy expert Kaoru Hattori has shared that these sea otters primarily inhabit coastal areas stretching from Nemuro to Kushiro town. Historically, their numbers in the northern Pacific fluctuated greatly, with overhunting in the 18th century reducing their population to around 2,000 by the early 20th century. Nevertheless, due to focused conservation activities, their numbers have rebounded to roughly 130,000 across the Northern Pacific since the early 2000s.

Recent surveys have indicated a swift increase in sea otter populations, particularly in the Habomai islets, part of a disputed territory claimed by both Japan and Russia. It has been suggested that sea otters migrating from these islets in search of new feeding grounds contribute to the growing populations along Hokkaido's eastern coast. Cape Tofutsu, also known as Kiritappu, is a notable location for sea otter sightings, where even newborn pups can be observed swimming alongside their mothers.

The Etopirika Foundation, a local nonprofit, is actively researching ways to safeguard these animals. Founder Yoshihiro Kataoka highlighted a noticeable presence of over ten sea otters around the cape, easily visible from the promenade. While the species is classified as endangered, the area offers a unique opportunity for tourists and wildlife to coexist—yet this balance is threatened by the increasing use of drones.

In 2021, the coastal areas were designated as a quasi-national park, and the Hamanaka municipality placed signboards urging tourists to refrain from flying drones. Nevertheless, the allure of capturing footage of the sea otters has led many visitors to ignore these warnings. Reports have emerged of dramatic incidents, including one sea otter that was so frightened by drone activity it did not return for six months.

During peak tourist periods, Kataoka noted seeing multiple individuals flying drones from the cape. In response to the situation, he has enhanced the visibility of cautionary signs to ensure they capture tourists' attention. Hattori emphasized the importance of keeping a respectful distance from the sea otters, particularly for the sake of their young, urging visitors to appreciate the animals from afar and with sensitivity.