SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Concerns are rising over the health of California’s sea lion population, with toxic algae blooms potentially responsible for dozens of sick sea lions along the coast, including some in San Diego County.
Experts say the toxin — known as domoic acid — is not only harmful to sea lions, but also a risk to humans who consume tainted shellfish.
Domoic acid attacks the brain and can lead to serious illness.
Marine mammal experts like Dr. Clarissa Anderson from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography are raising a red flag about the dangers of domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by naturally occurring algae in the water.
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Dr. Anderson says the toxin is found in plankton, which is consumed by fish like anchovies—a major food source for sea lions. When sea lions ingest this toxin, it can make them extremely sick and even be deadly.
“Bobbing and weaving of the head, seizures, erratic swimming, erratic behavior. When they are on the beach they are often lethargic, maybe even foaming at the mouth are signs of domoic acid poisoning,” Dr. Anderson said. “These sea lions may even seem slightly friendly at times, which is counterintuitive.”