A plague of toxic algae off the coast of southern California appears to be causing the death and illness of hundreds of sea lions and dolphins.
Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute received more than a thousand case reports of sick or dead marine mammals between June 8 and June 14.
“We are handling more than 200 reports of endangered marine mammals every day,” said Ruth Dover, co-founder and managing director of the Institute. “We are doing everything we can to keep up with the intense pace. Please continue to report all the sick and injured marine mammals, as we are reaching as many animals as we can, as fast as we can, every day.”
The alga named Pseudo-nitzschia produces the neurotoxin domoic acid, which when ingested by the animal can be fatal. Marine mammals typically consume domoic acid through prey that may contain high levels of the algae, such as fish.
According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)domoic acid is one of the biggest threats to marine mammals.
Mammals that consume the neurotoxin can suffer seizures and brain damage. Many of the deceased dolphins were found washed up on the beach, which may be a sign of disorientation or stress in the animal.
NOAA CoastWatch officials show a domoic acid bloom from Orange County to San Luis Obispo. There are especially high concentrations of the alga near Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
It is recommended that people and their pets stay away from stranded marine life as it can be dangerous to other animals. The neurotoxin is only harmful to humans if consumed through contaminated food, causing amnesic poisoning.
Domoic acid is not uncommon in certain areas off the California coast, however under certain ocean conditions it can spread more rapidly.
Last year, the spread of domoic acid affected the sea lion population closest to the coast the most. With more sick dolphins being reported, this may show that there are high concentrations of the algae in the high seas as well.
Throughout the process, samples of the deceased animals have been collected to confirm the presence of the neurotoxin. These samples can help scientists understand the spread mechanisms of the toxin, as well as any other factors that may play a role.
