Final answer:
Aleutian sea otters necessitate protection due to the hazards posed by global warming and human activities, such as oil drilling, which threaten their critical marine habitat and food sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Aleutian sea otters are in dire need of protection due to a combination of factors that threaten their survival. Just like the polar bears that depend on sea ice for hunting, sea otters rely heavily on the marine ecosystem for sustenance. However, global warming is causing sea ice to melt away, thus diminishing their hunting grounds.
The longer and more hazardous journeys to find food significantly impact their populations. Additionally, human activities such as oil drilling in nearby areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge pose risks through potential oil spills and environmental disruptions, further threatening the delicate balance of marine life vital for sea otters. Conservation efforts are essential in safeguarding the biodiversity of marine ecosystems and ensuring the welfare of species like the Aleutian sea otters, as highlighted by marine biology experts such as Norse and Crowder.