Sea lions in California 'suffering and confused' likely from toxic algae bloom
Feb. 24 (UPI) -- A toxic algae bloom is being blamed for sickening several California sea lions in Malibu, Calif., according to a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center.
Over four days, the California Wildlife Center said Saturday that it had received 14 calls of sea lions in distress.
"Though we have not confirmed the cause for these animals' illness, their signs and the recent rains make the situation highly suspicious for domoic acid toxicity," the center posted on Facebook Saturday.
"These animals are suffering and confused; do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning."
Domoic acid toxicity is an algal bloom that came from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia.
There are benign and toxic forms.
Animals may be exposed through ingestion of contaminated fish.
Sickness signs, according to the center, "include seizures, a craning head motion known as 'stargazing,' and highly lethargic or comatose states."
In 2023, hundreds of sea lions and dolphins died in one of the largest toxic algal blooms in Southern California's history.
The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute, which serves Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, responded to more than 600 affected marine mammals.
In the summer of 2024, another outbreak popped up in the summer of 2024. It was the third consecutive year of a big algal bloom.
The Ocean Protective Council said Southern California wildfires are affecting coastal and ocean ecosystems.
"Persistent contamination, habitat degradation and biodiversity loss can disrupt ecosystems for years. Addressing these issues requires long-term monitoring and mitigation efforts, including sediment control, debris removal, and habitat restoration. These actions are critical for maintaining biodiversity, safeguarding economic stability, and preserving California's natural heritage.
The state-run agency provided $200,000 to the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, for a region-wide network to monitor the impacts of the fires.
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