Toxic tide threatens California sea lions: Rescue efforts ramp up
Early bloom of toxic algae off the coast of California is causing mass poisonings of sea lions. Animal rescue organisations are receiving up to 100 reports a day. "We are having to do triage on the beach as we try to identify those animals where we have the greatest chance of making a difference," said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, as quoted by NOAA Fisheries.
This year, the toxic algae bloom began earlier than usual, with most cases reported between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The mass poisonings of sea lions are the result of consuming fish containing toxic domoic acid, produced by Pseudo-nitzschia algae.
Increase in poisoning cases
According to NOAA Fisheries, hundreds of cases of animals affected by the neurotoxin - domoic acid - are reported daily. Rescue teams must make difficult decisions about which sea lions to help. "We are having to do triage on the beach as we try to identify those animals where we have the greatest chance of making a difference," said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, as quoted by NOAA Fisheries. "We don't have the resources to rescue every one that is out there," he added.
Experts say that the earlier-than-usual algae bloom is partly the result of upwelling, the phenomenon of deep ocean waters rising, which provides nutrients that promote the growth of algae. Additionally, pollution, such as from fires in Los Angeles, and various climate changes may also have an impact.
"Since the Center first diagnosed domoic acid poisoning in marine mammals back in 1998, we are increasingly seeing more intense and unpredictable outbreak events," admitted Dr. Cara Field from The Marine Mammal Center.
Appeal to the public
NOAA Fisheries is urging residents and tourists to report sightings of sea lions on the coast to the appropriate authorities. They also emphasise not to approach encountered animals. Only trained teams should approach sick sea lions or dolphins, which also fall victim to the algae. Contact with them can be dangerous.
