Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) were captured along the central California coast between August 1987 and June 1988 and translocated to San Nicolas Island (SNI). A total of 124 sea otters were collected, but because of sex and size limitations, only 74 were retained and transported by vehicle to the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA). After a few days at the MBA, the sea otters were flown to SNI. Four sea otters died at the Aquarium from stress, and an additional animal was returned to its capture site and released. The remaining 69 Sea Otters (16 males and 53 females) were taken to SNI on 13 flights and released. By the end of July 1988, 20 sea otters were being routinely identified at the island, mostly along the northwestern side. The fate of 23 animals is known: 11 returned to the central coast, I was captured in southern California and returned to the mainland population, 3 died at the island from stress, 2 died on the mainland, 3 perished in fishing gear, and 3 that were radio-tagged were presumed dead due to their sudden disappearance. The fate of the remaining 26 (69 minus 20 and 23) is unknown. Information on the distribution and movement patterns of the translocated sea otters was gathered at SNI, in addition to information on their activity budgets, foraging behavior, and diet. In late September 1988, translocation activity was begun for the second year. This work is in progress and will be briefly reviewed.