After the brutal spring of toxic algae that turns some Asic lions into sick, narrowing seaside dangers, anxious beach fans can sigh in relief, as experts say, the worst of addiction is over.
This week, the San Pedro Marine Mammal Care Center said no new patients found in Southern California waters with signs of domoacid poisoning or recent pseudo-Nitzcia algae.
“It was the longest, most toxic and deadly flower we’ve ever experienced,” the center announced on social media. “To support and advocacy, we have overcome it and hundreds of marine mammals have had a second chance in their life!”
This year’s addiction event pushed the centre to its limits as it treated more than 400 marine animals, including sick sea lions and dolphins.
It was also marked by several reports of aggressive sea lions attacking people underwater.
A 15-year-old girl was bitten by a sea lion while completing a swimming test for her Junior Lifeguard Program in Long Beach at the end of March. A few weeks ago, the surfer was reportedly accused by a “wild, almost devilish” sea lion, who said he dragged him out of Oxnard’s board and creeped him into the water.
California coastlines can experience large-scale algae flowers known as pseudo-Nitzcia Australia when warm water combines excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Researchers say climate change and agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge and increased urban rainwater have increased the size and frequency of these flowers in recent years.
Small fish such as anchovy and sardines consume toxic algae that bioaccumulate in large marine mammals that eat fish.
Taking domain acids can cause sea lions to have seizures or thrust their heads in motions called “looking at the starry sky.” They can also fall into coma. Experts advise people not to interact with animals that are thought to be sick, as they may even charge aggressively or bite.
Southern California saw another major addiction event in 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 sea lions. According to the Marine Mammal Care Center, venomed sea lions have a survival rate of between 50% and 65% when taken up for rapid treatment.
The worst of this year’s crisis appears to have ended, but the centre still has a tendency to sick animals, cutting off work to prepare for the next flower.
To meet the growing community needs, the centre says it is expanding hospital facilities, expanding rescue capabilities and securing research funding to better understand toxic algae flowers.
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