Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, has introduced legislation to extend taxpayers' voluntary contributions to protect California's threatened sea otter population.

Assembly Bill 971 would extend the California Sea Otter Fund optional contributions on the 540 income tax form for an additional five years — from 2012 to 2016. The measure was enacted in 2006.

The fund provides financial support to help scientists examine and understand causes of sea otter mortality, identify factors limiting population growth and recovery and work with stakeholders to decrease ocean pollution.

The bill is co-sponsored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Defenders of Wildlife, a national, nonprofit organization that advocates for the protection of native animals and plants.

“Given the recent information that the sea otter population remains in trouble, it is important that we extend the tax check-off option through AB 971 in order for taxpayers to be able to voluntary assist the state in helping to protect them,” Monning said.

According to the Defenders of Wildlife website, tax form contributions to help save the sea otters in California’s coastal waters totaled $263,543 in 2010. In 2009 tax payers donated $245,000 to the fund.

The major threats facing the fewer than 3,000 marine mammals include diseases caused by toxic pollutants, habitat degradation, getting entangled in fishing nets, food scarcity and potential oil spills, according to the Defenders of Wildlife website.

As a result of these threats, more than 300 sea otters were reported dead by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2010. In addition to the high mortality rate, the Otter Project also recorded a low birth rate for otters last year.