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California Wildlife Center team members are responding to a suspected Domoic Acid Event (DA) in Malibu affecting marine life, notably local California Sea Lions. The team has responded to fourteen calls for sea lions in distress over the last few days. Though they have not confirmed the cause for these animals’ illness, their signs and the recent rains make the situation highly suspicious for domoic acid toxicity. Malibu residents, visitors, and other beachgoers are advised to keep their distance from animals on the beach and call or text the Marine team at (310) 924-7256 for assistance with animals in distress.
What is DA? DA is an algal bloom resulting from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia. There are benign and toxic strains which animals may be exposed to through ingestion of contaminated fish. In its toxic form, DA damages the brain and heart, even in low doses. Signs in marine mammals include seizures, a craning head motion known as “stargazing,” and highly lethargic or comatose states. 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. Call the nearest Marine Mammal rehabilitation facility for help. On the LA county beaches in Malibu, the responding facility is California Wildlife Center; you can reach our rescue team at (310) 924-7256.
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