Wildlife officials say the outbreak of toxic algae has caused as many as 50 sea lions to be ill in the past week, scattered across Malibu’s beaches.
It is estimated that at least 10 sea lions are currently undergoing treatment at Marine Mammal Care Centers in Los Angeles.
According to John Warner, CEO of San Pedro-based MMCC, some sea lions exposed to domo acid toxin, are in good condition and have been affected for a short period of time.
However, he says the size and scope of this month’s outbreak is not known until next week.
“The worries are the sacrifices that may lie in the breeding population of the Channel Islands,” he said.
Domate blooms from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia. Some strains of this organism are toxic to animals that may ingest them through contaminated fish.
In its toxic form, acid can damage the brain and heart of sea lions, even at low doses.
According to the MMCC, toxins can threaten life to humans eating contaminated crabs, shellfish and fish.
Signs of pain include seizures, head movements known as “starry skies,” and extremely lethargic or coma.
Beach fans are advised to stay away from tormented mammals as they may charge and bite without warning.
During the unprecedented domain acid outbreak in 2023, MMCC said it recognized more than 120 California sea lions over seven weeks.
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