California Sea Lions being sickened by toxic algae

[Ian David]

GLIDE Number: BH-20070520-11423-USA
Date / time: 20/05/2007 06:00:36
Event: Biological Hazard
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of California
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:
Four ailing sea lions have been found on North County beaches in the last two days, apparently sickened by toxic algae, the North County Times reported today. Two of the marine mammals were discovered in Oceanside yesterday. One resisted rescue and was escaped into the wild, and the other joined about 25 toxin-stricken sea lions in SeaWorld's Marine Mammal Stranding Program in San Diego.

The sea lions are sickened by toxic substance called domoic acid which is produced by a bacteria in algae that is consumed by shellfish and small fish, which are then eaten by sea lions, researchers said.

The problem is regional. The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that about 110 sick sea lions are at a rescue center in San Pedro, while others have been left on the beaches for lack of room. SeaWorld officials say that most of the sea lions rescued in San Diego County are found in the Oceanside area.

http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=11423Domoic acid interferes with the animals' ability to move. However, the animals can be dangerous to humans, officials said.