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URGENT COASTAL ALERT: California coasts are experiencing a significant increase in sea lions and dolphins suffering from domoic acid (DA) poisoning due to a toxic algal bloom. If you see any marine mammals on the beach the public should keep away at least 50 yards & call Marine Mammal Care Center's Rescue Hotline at 1-800-39-WHALE.
More on DA poisening: Pseudo-nitzschia blooms (toxic algal blooms) offshore along the Central and Southern California coast. This algae produces a neurotoxin called domoic acid, which accumulates in fish such as sardines, anchovies, and squid. The toxin then transfers to predators such as sea lions and birds that prey on the fish—causing seizures, brain damage, and sometimes death.
Symptoms of DA poisoning in Marine mammals include side-to-side head movement, seizing, bulging eyes, extending their heads back for long periods, and erratic behavior.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act states that "it is illegal to feed or harass wild marine mammals including dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals, sea lions, and manatees."
Marine Mammal Care Los Angeles ius currently caring for over 50 domoic acid (DA) patients as they strand on SoCal beaches. The increase in distressed animals reported to MMCC is putting strains on resources as they continue to deal with the many young animals already in their care following the annual pup season this spring. To care for the increased volume of patients, it is likely to cost more than $250,000. Your support is needed now more than ever.
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