Sea lions, dolphins, crabs, washing up sick on California beaches
OCEANO, Calif. (FOX26) A single sea lion under the Pismo Pier drew a crowd of onlookers Friday afternoon.
It's not out of the ordinary to see the marine mammal. But this one did not appear to be well-- it looked disoriented, experiencing seizures at times. It's one of 70 sea lions to come on shore exhibiting symptoms of domoic acid poisoning, says Mattie Reddell, an environmental scientist with California State Parks. "This has been the most drastic domoic acid event in the ten years I've been here," Reddell says.
A recent "red tide" event-- or algal bloom-- is to blame, a result of a marine heatwave hanging offshore in the Pacific in mid-July. Fish like sardines and anchovies eat the microscopi algae that produces the toxic domoic acid. Sea lions and other creatures-- including dolphins and crabs-- then eat the fish. The acid then attacks the creature's brain and heart -- making them disoriented and sensitive to disturbance. "You'll see some signs in sea lions such as frothing at the mouth, a head wave back and ford. Some will also have seizures," Reddell says.
The Oceano Dunes Ranger District has been busy since July 19th, responding to calls for sick animals. The Marine Mammal Center's field office in Morro Bay has also been working 24 hours a day, responding to rescues and trying to save the animals. "In the first week of the outbreak, responses were specific to the southern part of the county, notably Oceano Dunes and, Pismo Beach area. In the past week, however, cases have been seen farther north in Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria," The Marine Mammal Center told Fox26 News, in a statement. "The intensity is currently at peak.
According to The Marine Mammal Center, the toxin will naturally flush from an animal's system over time. But, more serious cases have required taking the mammals to the center's hospital in Sausalito. It shared video of some with IVs, held by volunteers, to aid in their recovery. "Our experts also provide them with a fish source that is free of domoic acid. To control any seizures, our veterinarians give these patients anti-seizure medications that are also used in humans," the center says. State Parks rangers and personnel have been placing signs along the coast, warning of the animals coming on shore-- and talking with crowds, to make sure they keep their distance from the animals. "These are wild animals. They may look really cute. They may look down. But we want to remember they are dangerous and theyre sick and we need to give them their space," Reddell says. "Once you give them that education, they will usually abide by it."
https://kmph.com/news/local/seals-sea-lions-dolphins-crabs-washing-up-sick-on-ca-beaches-marine-mammal-center-oecano-pismo-dunes
The video is fairly heartbreaking.