Toxic algal bloom impacts dolphins and seals in California

Marine life care centers in Southern California are seeing a rise in stranded dolphins and sick seals. This increase is likely linked to a toxic algal bloom off the coast. The Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles and SeaWorld San Diego have reported dozens of stranded animals. Many are believed to have been affected by the algae Pseudo-nitzschia. When marine mammals eat shellfish tainted by this algae, they can suffer from serious health issues. The toxins can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death. Staff at the Marine Mammal Care Center noted that this week, the number of stranded dolphins was higher than during a similar toxic event in 2023. Testing has shown rising levels of the harmful algae in Southern California. Public health officials are warning people not to eat sport-harvested shellfish, including mussels and clams, from Santa Barbara County. The California Department of Public Health stated that cooking won't eliminate the toxins, which can cause symptoms like loss of balance and difficulty swallowing. However, commercially harvested shellfish are safe due to regular testing. The algal bloom is reportedly growing due to significant upwelling along the California coast. This natural process, common in spring and summer, mixes colder, nutrient-rich waters with warmer surface waters. While there are concerns about potential pollution from recent wildfires, experts believe the current situation is mainly due to the Pseudo-nitzschia bloom. Researchers have observed an increase in harmful algal blooms over the years. They attribute this trend to human activities, such as fertilizer use, sewage runoff, and climate change. These factors create favorable conditions for the growth of toxic algae. If you encounter a stranded marine animal, keep a safe distance of at least 50 feet and call the stranding hotline at 1-800-399-4253. Do not attempt to intervene or push the animal back into the water. It's essential to minimize noise and keep pets and large crowds away from the area.