2. Marine Mammals: Some Basics

The focus of this book rests on a group of mammals, which are commonly known as marine mammals since their habitats can be found in the marine environment. Under this category fall five different orders: whales (Cetacea); seals (Pinnipedia); the polar bear (Ursus maritimus); sea cows (Sirenia); and otters (Lutrinae). Especially the latter has played a fundamental role in the colonisation process of the American Arctic since otter furs were a much sought-after trade good which led to Russian traders, settlers and colonisers setting foot in Alaska. Since, amongst other things, the trade in otter furs was for several reasons not sustainable and consequently not sufficiently profitable, Russia lost interest in Alaska and sold it to the United States in 1867. Yet, both otters and sea cows will only play a minor role in this book since they no longer play a prominent role in international law.