Since February, over 140 sea lions have been rescued on Southern California beaches as a catastrophic harmful algae bloom takes its toll. Dolphins and birds are also appearing sick or lifeless, making this bloom the most devastating in the region’s history.
According to John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, the situation in Los Angeles County is even worse than 2023, which was previously considered the most severe year on record. Warner explains that the algae produce domoic acid, a toxin that causes seizures, erratic behavior, and lethargy in marine mammals. While sea lions are heavily affected, dolphins experience an even higher mortality rate.
What’s driving the rise of toxic algal blooms in California, and what are the far-reaching consequences? Click on to find out.