Hundreds of seals and sea lions are getting sick off the coast of southern California and this is of great concern as it could affect those who eat some seafood.
According to experts, the cause is a toxin found in some marine algae.
Sick seals and sea lions, some of them have arrived poisoned by domoic acid and some dolphins also with symptoms of illness, have been reported in recent weeks off the coast of southern California.
Until now, 125 of them are in the facilities of the center for the care of marine life in the port of San Pedro.
“I am here to make a call for help and at the same time to warn of what is happening on our coasts and our beaches, hundreds of sea lions have been struck by a noxious acid,” said Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park.
A few weeks ago, several residents of the coastal areas began to report these sick animals that were found on the beaches or rocks near the coastline, but experts warn that it is better to stay away.
“All of these animals are sick, please stay at least 100 yards away and call our assistants for help,” said John Warner, CEO of the San Pedro Marine Life Care Center.
What happened was captured on video and went viral on TikTok.
Studies show that the concentration of the neurotoxin is found in some species of algae, when these are consumed by small fish they acquire the toxic acid and the fish, being food for seals, sea lions and dolphins, end up making them sick.
“What we are seeing is that harmful algae is still here in large concentrations in southern California, and even if we try to cure hundreds of animals there is a chance that they could get sick again, which is why we will have them in the center care for a few more weeks,” Warner added.
People can also get sick from consuming domoic acid, so the California Department of Public Health authorities recommend not consuming the following:
- mussels
- clams
- scallops
- Crops that come from Santa Barbara County for now, as doing so could exhibit the following symptoms.
“They start with stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and this can cause a lot of discomfort,” said Edgar Chávez, a doctor.
So far it is believed that the situation could continue, the season of harmful marine algae flora could last from 6 to 8 weeks and there are only four, and it could extend longer.
Remember not to approach these animals, if you find them on the beach report them to the authorities at
[email protected] or call 1-800-39-WHALE.
