Source: AP News
Since July 26, sea lions have been stranding themselves along 155 miles of California coastline in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, showing signs of domoic acid poisoning, a neurotoxin affecting their brain and heart. The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute reports an influx of daily calls about sick sea lions, primarily adult females.
The institute has rescued 23 animals so far, including from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Domoic acid, produced by harmful algae blooms, accumulates in shellfish and small fish consumed by sea lions, dolphins, and birds. Symptoms in sea lions include disorientation, foaming at the mouth, and seizures. The California coast frequently experiences such outbreaks, with a severe incident last year killing hundreds of sea lions and dozens of dolphins. The toxin can also pose risks to humans.
Read the full story HERE: https://apnews.com/article/california-sea-lions-domoic-acid-poisoning-be6f0d816022b8e8e7f26e65c319deac