Toxic algae blooms take Malibu shores by storm
Recently, there have been incidents of dozens of sea lions succumbing to illness off the coast of Malibu due to a toxic algae bloom. As of early March, the number of sea lions in the care of the Marine Mammal Care Center, a non-profit organization, has exceeded half of its capacity. Although algae blooms are natural phenomena, they did not used to be annual events. However, they have been occuring every year for the past four years.
Climbing temperatures have caused the algae blooms to become more widespread and also to bloom earlier than normal. While usually beginning in the summer, this year’s algae bloom started in early February.
Algae blooms most often result from eutrophication, where organic runoff rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus promote the overgrowth of algae.
The neurological toxin, known as domoic acid, forms from a type of algae that is prevalent on the coast of Southern California, Pseudo-nitzschia australis. When ingested, it causes the sea creatures to have seizures or enter lethargic states. Stargazing, a craning head motion, is also a commonly exhibited symptom.
Experts believe that the sea lions may have ingested toxic strains of this bacteria through infected fish. Additionally, a large proportion of the sea lions affected are pregnant and it is believed that this will influence the conservation of the sea mammal population. Since the Channel Islands is a breeding ground for 85 percent of all California sea lions, according to NBC Los Angeles, most female sea lions will not be able to carry to term.
Experts also believe that the ash from the recent and numerous wildfires in Los Angeles may be a factor in the increase in the domoic acid.
As temperatures continue to rise into the year, beachgoers are advised not to interact with any sea lions on the beach and if a stranded animal is spotted report to the Marine Mammal Care Center at 1-800-39-WHALE. The Marine Mammal Care Center posted to Facebook, “These animals are suffering and confused; do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning.”
