Domoic acid from an unexpected algae bloom from Santa Barbara to San Diego has killed 14 adult, pregnant California sea lions at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach.
Since April 4, the center, which rescues and treats marine mammals, has seen an influx of poisoned sea lions, according to Krysta Higuchi, a spokeswoman for the center.
The center has rescued 24 of the sea lions with only 10 surviving, Higuchi said. The center has also rescued six pups, two harbor seals, two Guadalupe Fur Seals and 27 Elephant Seals, Higuchi said Tuesday.
The algae has grown more than expected because of the heavy winter rains, and the resulting runoff into the ocean has made it toxic, Higuchi said. The warming seas due to climate change has also helped boost the bloom, she added.
Pregnant sea lions eat more fish, making them more vulnerable, Higuchi said.
“At the beginning of the year it kind of seemed we were headed to a normal, slower year,” Higuchi said. “All of a sudden we went from one or two rescues to five or eight a day…. We went from 14 animals to 35 in a week’s span.”
Marine Mammal Center officials advise beachgoers to avoid trying to help the sick sea lions and to call the center instead.
“Stay away and call us — they’re unpredictable, very stressed out and very confused,” Higuchi said.
–City News Service