The Southern California Marine Life Care Center reports a surge in the number of closed dolphins and diseased seals, likely caused by toxic algae growth off the coast.
Marine Mammal Care Centerbased in the Great Los Angeles area, Seaworld San Diego reports responding to dozens of bone rand bone animals that are likely victims of algae.
According to NOAA, when marine mammals consume shellfish contaminated with algae, toxins accumulate, leading to seizures, brain damage and even death.
“This week we saw more marginalized dolphins (both alive and deceased) than we saw during the major domoacid (DA) blooms in 2023,” MMCC staff said. “Recent testing at SOCAL shows an increase in levels of algae producing DA, and we expect it to get even worse in the coming weeks.”
During previous significant outbreaks, neurotoxins did not appear to harm fish or pose a risk to swimmers. However, the public is warned not to get away from stuck mammals.
California Department of Public Health issued an alert To avoid eating mussels, clams, or Santa Barbara County scallops harvested for sports.
The agency warned that cooking does not destroy toxins, and that human symptoms include loss of balance, lack of muscle coordination, obscure speech and difficulty swallowing.
The warning does not apply to commercial shellfish that are subject to frequent testing for potential toxins.
According to NOAAa substantial upwelling of water helps algae grow along nearby coastlines.
This phenomenon is common in spring and summer as the wind mixes cold and warm surface waters.
The agency was concerned about the potential health impacts of recent fire spills, but believes the current event is directly linked to the pseudo-Nitzsia Bloom.
Locals say that large flowers usually occur every 4-7 years, but they have noticed an increase in activity in recent years. This can be caused by a variety of factors.
“Domain acids are a naturally occurring toxin that has existed for centuries and was first identified in Japan in the late 1950s. Domo acids were not detected in California until 1991, but the spread of toxic algae along the Pacific coast has increased dramatically in recent years, like these prosperity,” the center said.
If you find a stuck animal, MMCC will advise you that there are several steps to help you.
First, call the strike hotline at least 50 feet away from the animal to minimize stress and report your location.
Experts say the worst thing you can do is try to interfere with the animal or push it back into the water.
Finally, marine experts suggest minimizing noise and securing dogs and large crowds.
