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Authorities say the minced whales swam at Long Beach Harbor earlier this month died from domo acid poisoning associated with toxic algae flowers that have attacked many other sea creatures.
Michael Millstein, a spokesman for the West Coast Regional Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said the test results showed that the whales had high levels of domain acids in their urine at the time of their death.
“This is in line with many other marine mammals affected by domoacids produced by the harmful algae bloom off the coast of Southern California, which was first detected in February,” Milstein said in a statement. “The lab does so much work, so testing takes time.”
Domain acids are neurotoxins produced by harmful algae flowers that accumulate in fish that feed filters containing anchovy and sardines, which are eaten by seals, sea lions and dolphins.
Milstein said this is the fourth year in a row that the Domo Acid Event took place, but this year it started much earlier than previous events. The blooming of algae, he said, is the result of a rise in the ocean, where algae grew enough nutrients on their surfaces to thrive. Other experts also point out the spills of climate change and recent Pallisade fires as contributors to algae.
Hundreds of sea lions and dolphins have been affected so far, Milstein said.
“This was probably the toughest thing, especially at the beginning of the year,” he said. “How long it lasts is a question.”
The 24-foot-long minkle whale had been swimming in the harbor for several days, and officials tried to push it into the water, but it would only return, Mirtein said. The male whale was found to have died on April 3rd.
According to NOAA, the minced whales are considered the great or smallest of the berreen whale family, growing to over 26 feet long and weighing 14,000 pounds.
There are about 900 mink whales off the coast of Oregon, Washington and California. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
A grey whale was also found washed on land at Huntington Beach last week. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach is conducting autopsies to determine the cause of death of the animal.
Most marine mammals affected by domo acid toxicity are California sea lions, but other animals are also susceptible to their effects, according to the Marine Mammal Center.
Domo acid has been found in the seals of blue and humpback whales and the endangered species of Guadalupe.
Domo acid ingestion from the harmful algae bloom can cause sea lions and other animals to have seizures or crane their heads in a movement known as “stargazing.” 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.
Milstein said the domo acid event is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall population of marine mammals off the west coast.
“The incredible productivity in California’s ecosystems has a silver lining,” he said. “On the one hand, they feed algae blooms, but they are also responsible for the incredible diversity of species that are lucky to be off the West Coast. These species are rather strong, resilient and show that throughout the year.”
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