Domoic Acid Poisoning Hits California Sea Lions

A severe outbreak of domoic acid poisoning is affecting sea lions along a 155-mile stretch of the California coast, primarily in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) has been inundated with reports of sea lions displaying symptoms such as disorientation, seizures, and foaming at the mouth, linked to the ingestion of fish contaminated with domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by harmful algae blooms. This phenomenon, known as biomagnification, results from the toxin accumulating through the food chain, impacting higher predators like sea lions, dolphins, and birds. CIMWI has rescued several affected animals, while experts warn that the frequency and severity of such outbreaks are increasing, possibly due to warming ocean temperatures. The California Department of Public Health has emphasized that humans can also be affected if they consume contaminated marine life. Public advisories caution against interacting with or attempting to assist the sick sea lions to prevent harm to both the animals and people.