Chanel Hason

Dive Certified 2006

Dive Certification Level Rescue Diver

Expertise Marine ecology and sea otter biology

Social Media @pschanel @elakhaalliance

Chanel Hason is a passionate rescue diver who is restoring the sea otter population off Oregon’s coast with Elakha Alliance. Chanel also recently teamed up with artist Mike Bennett to create “The Portland Aquarium,” an immersive art exhibit (with zero live animals!) that just opened.

Q: What is Elakha Alliance?

A: The Elakha Alliance is a non-profit working to restore a thriving population of sea otters along the Oregon coast. Elakha (pronounced ee-LAK-uh) means “sea otter” in the Chinook trading language. As a keystone species, sea otters play a vital role in maintaining healthy kelp forests and estuaries by keeping sea urchin and crab populations in check. Their return would enhance biodiversity, support fisheries, restore cultural connections for coastal tribes, and increase coastal resilience. The alliance advances its mission through science, tribal collaboration, community engagement and public outreach.

Related Reading: How to Find a Marine Protected Area

Q: What conservation efforts have you implemented?

A: We actively collaborate with tribal partners, including a 2022 project with tribal youth interns centered on cultural and ecological connections to sea otters. We’re also launching a two-year paid research fellowship in 2025 for a student from the Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians at Oregon State University. In 2022, we published a study confirming that sea otter reintroduction in Oregon is both feasible and ecologically valuable. We raise awareness through presentations and host annual events like the Oregon Otter Beer Festival to support our mission and grow community support.

Q: What do you view as the greatest challenge in marine conservation today?

A: One of the greatest challenges is helping people grasp the profound interconnectedness of life on Earth—that what happens in the ocean doesn’t stay in the ocean. Our goal is to show that sea otter restoration isn’t just about one species, it’s about rebuilding balance in ecosystems that serve all life. When we protect and restore the ocean, we’re investing in a healthier, more resilient world for everyone.

Related Reading: Going Green at Golden Rock Resort

Q: What’s been your most surprising moment?

A: In late June 2024, I received an email about a possible sea otter sighting off Cannon Beach. I raced out to see for myself. As I wandered through the tide pools and peered out from behind a rock, I spotted him. Then, to my amazement, I realized there were actually two otters! The moment brought tears to my eyes. The photographs I captured made the front page of every local paper!

We later confirmed both were males that had likely wandered down from Washington in search of mates. Sadly, there are no females here in Oregon (yet). To witness sea otters in Oregon’s kelp forests again, after being hunted to local extinction over a century ago, was surreal and deeply emotional. It gave me a renewed sense of hope that, with continued effort and a successful reintroduction, sea otters will soon call Oregon home once more.

Each month in Scuba Diving, we feature a Sea Hero who has been nominated by their community members for their commitment to the advancement of conservation, education, and exploration. In our December issue, judges select a Sea Hero of the Year. Nominate a Sea Hero at scubadiving.com/seaheroes.