Sea-Mammal Crisis in Southern California

Sea lions in Southern California are washing up on the shore ill or dead due to a neurotoxin from an algae bloom. Rescue organizations are overwhelmed, and the toxin has been devastating to sea life, especially dolphins. The cause of the severe toxin levels is still being studied.

Toxic Algae Blooms Impacting Sea Lions in California

Toxic algae blooms containing a neurotoxin, likely domoic acid, are impacting sea lions on the California coast, causing abnormal behavior such as aggression and lethargy. This is a recurring issue exacerbated by warming temperatures and pollution, leading to illness and death among marine mammals and birds.

Sea Lions Sick in Southern California

More than a dozen sea lions reported sick in Southern California due to suspected domoic acid event, beachgoers warned to avoid distressed animals. Concerns raised over health of shores off Malibu after January's wildfires and recent heavy rains triggering mudslides and flooding in burn-scarred areas.

Sea Lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco

An unusually large herd of sea lions has hauled out of the bay waters to hang out on the docks at Pier 39 in San Francisco, with over 1,000 sea lions counted. This surge is a good sign of the animal's strong population and the health of its habitat, fueled by a bounty of anchovies and herring in the bay waters ahead of mating season.