Experts warn of unprecedented marine life deaths due to a spreading toxic algae bloom.
An alarming toxic algae bloom is wreaking havoc along the Southern California coast, with marine animals, including dolphins, suffering unprecedented deaths. Stretching from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, the bloom is releasing a deadly neurotoxin known as domoic acid (DA), which has now claimed the lives of dozens of marine mammals.
This is the fourth consecutive year of such blooms, but experts are reporting that this year is the worst on record. The Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System has shown high concentrations of domoic acid in the bloom’s center, which is wreaking havoc on marine life.
Unprecedented Dolphin Strandings
The recent spike in strandings is concerning, with more than 50 dead or dying dolphins found along the Los Angeles County coastline in just the past week, and 16 in San Diego alone. “It’s the worst we’ve ever seen here in Southern California on many different fronts, but dolphin strandings, it’s unprecedented,” said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles.
While sea lions were traditionally the main victims of toxic algae blooms, experts have noticed that the toxin is now affecting animals further up the food chain, including a minke whale found in the Port of Long Beach and a young gray whale that perished in Huntington Beach.
Domoic Acid’s Deadly Effects
The neurotoxin domoic acid, produced by the algae species Pseudo-nitzschia, accumulates in small fish that ingest the algae and is then passed up the food chain, affecting marine mammals and birds. The toxin attacks the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as seizures, abnormal aggression, and lethargy. This year, marine mammals such as whales, sea lions, and pelicans have all been affected.
“The levels of domoic acid in recent weeks are especially toxic,” said Alexis Fischer, an aquatic scientist at EutroPHIX, a company focused on water quality restoration told on ABC News.
Researchers are alarmed by the early arrival of the blooms in winter, as they typically occur during the summer months. This shift in timing may be a result of warming ocean temperatures.
Human Impact and Rescue Efforts
The bloom is not only impacting marine animals but also posing risks to humans. Domoic acid can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans, and scientists urge the public to avoid areas with discolored, scummy, or smelly water. The CDC advises people to rinse off immediately if they come into contact with the algae.
While some animals, such as sea lions and birds, can be saved through rescue efforts, dolphins are completely vulnerable to the toxin. Marine rescue organizations have been overwhelmed by the high number of cases. SeaWorld San Diego alone has rescued over 100 animals suspected of suffering from domoic acid poisoning this year, including 44 birds, 57 California sea lions, and 14 dolphins.
“We’re doing everything we can, but we just don’t have the resources to rescue every animal,” said John Warner, reflecting the emotional toll on rescue teams. Experts continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping that the affected populations can recover, but the future remains uncertain as the bloom stretches along the coastline.
