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Cause of California Sea Lion Attacks Attributed to Toxic Algae Blooms
The perplexing surge in sea lion attacks along the Southern California coast has been attributed to a distressing cause: toxic algae blooms. Animal experts in Los Angeles have been investigating a series of incidents where individuals were bitten and scratched by these marine mammals, typically known for their amiable nature.
Toxic Algae Blooms Linked to Uncharacteristic Sea Lion Behavior
The Marine Mammal Care Center has determined that this alteration in behavior is linked to an escalating prevalence of toxic algae blooms in the region.
Domoic Acid Exposure Identified as Key Factor
Examinations conducted on the suddenly aggressive sea lions, described by victims as behaving erratically, revealed the presence of domoic acid toxicosis. This neurological disorder is triggered by exposure to harmful algae.
John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, clarified that domoic acid accumulates in local fish, such as anchovies and sardines. These fish ingest the toxin as they swim through the algae blooms.
Subsequently, sea lions consume these contaminated fish, leading to a build-up of the toxin within their systems, ultimately causing disorientation and seizures.
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As the sea lions’ condition deteriorates, the brain damage induced by the toxin causes them to react aggressively towards their surroundings, including humans.
Warner explained to the BBC, “These animals are reacting because they are unwell. They are disoriented, and likely experiencing seizures. Consequently, their senses are impaired, and they are acting out of fear.”
Recurring Toxic Algae Events in Southern California
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), toxic algae blooms have been a recurring phenomenon in Southern California for the past four years.
NOAA elucidates that strong offshore winds in California initiate a process called upwelling. This process displaces surface water, drawing colder, nutrient-rich water from deeper levels to the surface.
This deep water is rich in nutrients like nitrogen, which promotes rapid algae growth when exposed to sunlight.
While this nutrient upwelling is generally beneficial to marine life, certain algae species can proliferate excessively, leading to extensive blooms that release toxins harmful to fish, shellfish, and potentially humans if consumed.
Pseudo-nitzschia: Source of Domoic Acid
Domoic acid toxicosis originates from an organism known as Pseudo-nitzschia, which can form substantial algal blooms in the water.
These harmful blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia generate domoic acid, which then contaminates marine life inhabiting the affected waters.
Increased Cases and Severity Observed This Year
Warner noted that his organization had already admitted 195 sea lions suffering from domoic acid toxicosis by the end of March.
This figure is nearly four times the number of cases the center managed during the same period in 2023, highlighting a significant increase.
Furthermore, the impact of the toxic algae appears to be more pronounced this year compared to previous occurrences. “Their behavior has shifted from what we typically observe to something far more unpredictable,” Warner stated. “In this particular bloom, we are seeing them exceptionally lethargic and severely debilitated by the toxin.”
Growing Sea Lion Population Raises Concerns
An additional factor contributing to public apprehension regarding aggressive sea lion behavior is the substantial growth of their population in recent decades.
The California coastline now supports an estimated 250,000 sea lions, a dramatic increase from approximately 1,500 in the 1920s.
Personal Impact of Recent Attacks
Photographer Rj LaMendola, a recent victim of a sea lion attack, expressed his profound concern. After two decades of surfing in these waters, the unexpected aggression of these animals has deeply affected him.
“I have dedicated my life to advocating for the ocean through my photography. Currently, I am experiencing fear… for the ocean and its inhabitants. Something is amiss,” he conveyed to National Geographic.
In a Facebook post, LaMendola elaborated, “The sea lion that attacked me was not simply acting out – it was ill, its mind distorted by this poison permeating its system. Acknowledging this underlying cause does not eliminate the terror, but it introduces an element of sorrow to the fear.”
In late March, a 15-year-old girl undergoing a lifeguard qualification swim test was also attacked by a neurologically impaired sea lion.
Fellow lifeguards intervened, rescuing her from the water and promptly transporting the trainee to a nearby hospital.
Treatment and Recovery Outlook
Regrettably, the primary intervention for these afflicted animals involves locating and promptly treating those poisoned by the algae.
Warner indicated that wildlife experts can effectively treat sea lions suffering from domoic acid toxicosis using anti-seizure medications and sedatives.
If veterinary care is administered promptly, twice-daily feeding via tubes and consistent hydration can alleviate the neurological effects within approximately one week. However, the probability of complete recovery is estimated at only 50 to 65 percent.
Moreover, treatment efficacy appears to be diminished this year. Warner observed that even after five weeks of care at the Marine Mammal Care Center, some sea lions continue to exhibit signs of sluggishness.