Edhat Staff
An increase in the number of distressed sea lions across local beaches has been reported by several local agencies, suggesting domoic acid poisoning as the probable cause.
The environmental team at Vandenberg Space Force Base has been following the observation of these marine mammals showing signs of distress since July 19.
The symptoms in sea lions include lethargy, disorientation, convulsions, and even severe brain damage. Sea lions may become aggressive if provoked. The toxin can cause severe inflammation and brain damage in sea lions, and if consumed in high doses, it can also affect humans.
“Domoic acid poisoning occurs when algae blooms, known as red tides, produce toxins that are ingested by fish and then travel up the food chain to sea lions,” explained Tiffany Whitsitt-Odell, Natural Resources Program Manager at the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron. “Affected sea lions may appear lethargic and disoriented, and exhibit head bobbing and weaving, muscle spasms, seizures, foaming at the mouth, eye bulging, inability to feed, and unresponsiveness.”
The Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) stated this week they too have received reports of sick sea lions pointing to domoic acid poisoning.
“The sea lions are presenting with a mix of stargazing (staring into space), disorientation, head weaving, mouth foaming, lethargy, unresponsiveness, erratic behavior, inability to get out of the incoming tide, involuntary muscle spasms, and seizures,” CIMWI stated on social media.
Environmental agencies urges beachgoers to adopt specific precautions to ensure their safety and that of the affected sea lions.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet (approximately one school bus length) from all marine mammals.
- Do not enter areas closed for plover protection to access marine mammals. Biologists are conducting assessments in these areas.
- Avoid touching, feeding, harassing, covering, pouring water on, allowing dogs near, coaxing, dragging, or pushing marine mammals into or out of the water.
- Refrain from taking selfies with stranded sea lions.
“We are currently collaborating with stranding network partners including Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI), National Marine Fisheries Service, and The Marine Mammal Center to respond to individual animals and complete testing to confirm domoic acid poisoning,” Whitsitt-Odell added. “Younger animals have some potential for rehabilitation, but primarily, we leave the animals where they are and monitor them.”
If you encounter a sea lion that you suspect may be suffering from domoic acid poisoning, please contact CIMWI at 805-567-1505 for distressed sea lions at Surf beach, and LE Desk at 805-606-3911 for distressed sea lions at on-base beaches.
I do not believe in rehabilitating these animals – first they are not threatened, second they have irreversible brain damage and will not survive in the wild. The money is best spent elsewhere.