Countless sea lions have stranded themselves up and down a California coast after possibly eating poisonous algae. Now, rescues are underway to try and save these animals.
This latest event isn’t the first time California has seen a mass stranding situation thanks to poisonous algae. However, experts are worried that this situation could get worse.
Sea Lions End Up Stranded in California
News of this ongoing situation was revealed after the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute explained that it had received daily reports of sick and stranded sea lions since July 26.
The nonprofit has since worked to try and save these sea lions, especially as many are in critical conditions when they end up stranded.
A Mass Stranding Event
This event is ongoing and is occurring up and down the California coast, worrying many beach communities.
So far, experts have explained that these sea lions are ending up along about 155 miles of the California shoreline in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. This is northwest of Los Angeles.
Poisoned Sea Lions
Unfortunately, experts have clarified that these sea lions aren’t just stranding themselves for no reason. They’re doing so because they are sick.
Research has thus far suggested that these animals are showing signs that they have been poisoned by harmful algae that have bloomed in the area.
Experts Warn These Sea Lions Are Incredibly Sick
This poisoning has resulted in many sea lions becoming incredibly sick.
According to the institute, these sea animals are suffering from domoic acid. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin that can negatively affect both the heart and brain of sea lions.
How Sea Lions Are Eating Poison
Experts have explained that sea lions are becoming deathly sick after eating this harmful algae. The poison that is infecting these mammals comes from a microscopic algae that small fish and shellfish eat.
These sea creatures are then eaten by dolphins, birds, and sea lions. This is how the poison gets into the sea lion’s system.
Symptoms of Poisoned Sea Lions
Animal experts have also explained what symptoms these sea lions may have if they eat this poison.
Often, they may become disoriented, and their head may weave. They could experience foaming at the mouth, as well as suffer from seizures. These marine mammals can die from this poison.
Females Are Mainly Affected
Research on this ongoing event has also revealed that mainly adult female sea lions are being affected by this harmful poison in California.
If this event remains an ongoing problem, this could change. However, experts are working to ensure these female sea mammals are saved and taken care of.
Ongoing Rescues
So far, the nonprofit has managed to save 23 sea lions who have stranded themselves on the California coast.
As rescues are ongoing — and as this poisoning may not stop any time soon — this rescue number may only continue to rise with each passing day.
Other Rescues in California
The institute isn’t the only one conducting rescues of poisoned sea lions in California. Coastal Vandenberg Space Force Base has also revealed that they’ve worked to rescue these sick mammals that have appeared on their own beaches.
The base has released a statement and photos of this event that occurred on July 29.
A Yearly Issue
California is home to poisoning and stranding events such as this one. Yearly, these types of situations happen.
Last year, one specifically extreme outbreak occurred that saw hundreds of sea lions dying in June because of this poison. Dozens of dolphins also died during this event.
Saving Sea Mammals and People
Nonprofits such as the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute receive calls from locals who find these sick sea animals stranded on their beaches. This then allows experts to head to the area to save these creatures quickly.
The institute has warned the public about this event, especially as there are concerns that it may get worse. Experts have also warned Californians that people can become sick from this harmful algae, as well.
