Baseline:
1. Environment and Economic Situation
In 2018, Jintang Town achieved a regional GDP of 4.86 billion RMB, and its ranking in the 'Top 1000 Strong Towns in China' jumped from 552 in 2017 to 338. It also achieved a total fiscal revenue of 401 million RMB, making it one of the top three towns in Zhoushan City. In 2022, Jintang achieved a total fiscal revenue of 477 millionRMB, of which local tax revenue was 305 million RMB, an increase of 1% compared to last year, achieving a significant increase even compared to before the epidemic.
2. Background on the Endangered Species Eurasian Otter
The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is the most widely distributed otter species in China and globally. Currently, the Eurasian Otter is classified as a second-class protected wild animal in China and is listed as a Near Threatened (NT) species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and an Endangered (EN) species in the "Red List of China's Vertebrates" (Jiang et al., 2016).
The Eurasian Otter has a long historical record, ranging from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to the southeastern coast, from northern forests to tropical jungles. With the exception of Ningxia, it has been recorded in all provinces and regions across the country. However, due to factors such as hunting for over half a century and habitat destruction, the population of Eurasian Otter has sharply declined. The remaining populations have retreated to fragmented habitats in extremely low numbers, making it difficult to spot otters in most areas. In recent years, investigations and research on otters have only just begun in China, but there is still a severe lack of societal attention, scientific research interest, and conservation investment.

Problems:
The otters in Zhejiang Province were once widely distributed in various tributaries of the eight major water systems. They were top predators in freshwater ecosystems and were listed as a second-class protected species in China. However, in recent decades, factors such as water pollution, habitat degradation, and human activities have led to the disappearance of otters from the mainland of Zhejiang. They now only have sporadic distribution on coastal islands, becoming a marine species. Due to a lack of financial support, no research has been conducted on the population size, habitat quality, food availability, and the impact of human factors on otters in the coastal areas. As a result, there is no clear understanding of the causes and mechanisms of the gradual extinction of otters in China's coastal regions, making otter conservation even more challenging.

Activities:
Activity 1.
1. Conduct a comprehensive baseline survey throughout Jintang Town, including: ?Using infrared camera technology for otter population monitoring, creating detailed distribution maps of otters in the Jintang area. Conducting community surveys to understand local attitudes and knowledge about otters, further collecting information. ?Analyzing survey data and preliminary selecting the pilot area for otter conservation.
2. Seek formal engagement with the government, submit report to the local environmental protection department and Jintang Town, establish the otter protected area, and promote the implementation of relevant policies and measures, forming a memorandum of cooperation.
3. After the construction and operation of the otter protected area are mature, summarize the proposed conservation measures for otters and promote them in the next otter conservation pilot.
Activity 2.
1. Conduct research on otter diet and food sources: Carry out background surveys of fish resources in the main otter distribution areas in Jintang Town. Regularly collect fresh otter feces for morphological and DNA analysis to study the preferred food of otters.
2. Conduct research on otter individual identification and kinship: Regularly collect fresh otter feces in Jintang Town for DNA analysis to study ? otter individual identification, gender ratio, family groups, and calculate otter population size and growth rate/decline rate; ? otter home range, activity range, etc.
Activity 3.
1. Based on the research and survey results, compile a complete and replicable set of training materials for otter monitors.
2. Recruit a group of local community members who are interested in otter conservation to become on-site otter monitors and receive training on otter investigation, monitoring, and rescue.
3. Select trained otter monitors to participate in actual monitoring and conservation work and provide corresponding compensation.
Activity 4.
Conduct extensive science popularization and awareness campaigns in the local community to enhance the knowledge and conservation awareness of otters among local residents and tourists.

Outcomes:
1. Over the course of two years, establish a protected area for otter conservation, ensuring a certain level of protection for otter habitats.
2. Compile a research report on the otters in Jintang, proposing further conservation measures based on research findings. Collaborate with local government and partner organizations to implement these measures and submit a policy proposal to the environmental protection department.
3. Train a group of otter monitors. The number of trainees should be around 50 annually, with a total of no less than 80 otter monitors trained over the two-year period.
4. Conduct public outreach activities related to otter conservation in Jintang and other coastal areas in Zhejiang. Produce and distribute no fewer than 1,000 copies of otter conservation handbook, 500 otter conservation posters, 1,000 otter-themed merchandise items, and ensure that the educational video on otter species reach a minimum of 10,000 views.