More marine animals sickened by acid

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070429/ap_on_sc/deadly_acid;_ylt=AptvhLsxTofyK2aMtRnYcW3MWM0F

More marine animals sickened by acid

Sun Apr 29, 6:08 AM ET

LOS ANGELES - Rescuers worked Saturday to save more dead and dying dolphins and sea lions that have washed up on Southern California beaches, believed poisoned by a naturally occurring toxic acid.

A bloom of ocean algae that produces domoic acid may be responsible for killing or sickening dozens of the sea mammals, including birds, in recent weeks, environmentalists said.

On Friday state health officials warned consumers against eating certain locally harvested shellfish and seafood because they may be contaminated with the acid.

At least four sea lions were found Saturday on shores in Marina del Rey, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Venice, said Peter Wallerstein of the Whale Rescue Team.

"We've done at least 35 rescues in the past couple weeks," Wallerstein said. "The local marine care center is at full capacity and they are putting restrictions on how many animals we can bring in."

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