Hundreds of sea lions and dolphins have been found sick or dead along the coast of California in the USA. According to CBS News, researchers have reported thousands of sick sea lions and dolphins in recent weeks. The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) has been receiving over 200 reports about sick animals every day.
Scientists have discovered a bloom of harmful algae that they believe is responsible for the illness and death of these marine animals. Tissue samples from the dead animals have shown the presence of domoic acid, a nerve toxin produced by a specific type of algae. It is believed that the dolphins and sea lions have become ill from consuming fish and shellfish that have ingested the algae.
Affected animals may exhibit symptoms such as disorientation, agitation, foaming at the mouth, seizures, and loss of motor skills. The public is advised to stay away from sick animals and to notify animal welfare organizations if they encounter any. It is also important to note that domoic acid can be dangerous for humans if ingested in high levels. Food consumed by humans is regularly tested for the presence of this toxin.
The occurrence of toxic algae is natural and not uncommon along the coasts of the United States. However, the high number of sick and dead animals seen in June is unusual. Berman Kowalewski, director of the Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit, stated that he has never seen such intense numbers of dead and sick animals in his 20-year career.
Researchers believe that the anchovies eat the algae, and the sea lions and dolphins then consume the anchovies. The abundance of anchovies in the sea at the moment may be contributing to the widespread illness and death of these marine animals.
The situation is being closely monitored by researchers and marine wildlife organizations to understand the extent of the problem and find ways to mitigate its impact on the marine ecosystem.
What are the symptoms displayed by sea lions and dolphins affected by the harmful algae bloom?
A concerning situation is currently unfolding along the coast of California in the USA, where hundreds of sea lions and dolphins have been found sick or dead. Astonishingly, recent reports indicate that thousands of these marine animals have fallen ill in the past few weeks alone. The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) has been inundated with over 200 daily reports of sick animals, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Scientists have uncovered a harmful algae bloom that they believe is responsible for the illness and death of these sea lions and dolphins. Tissue samples from deceased animals have revealed the presence of domoic acid, a nerve toxin generated by a specific type of algae. It is suspected that the marine animals have become unwell after consuming fish and shellfish that have come into contact with this algae.
Symptoms displayed by affected animals include disorientation, agitation, foaming at the mouth, seizures, and loss of motor skills. In order to protect themselves from potential harm, the public is advised to steer clear of sick animals and alert animal welfare organizations if they come across any. Additionally, it is crucial to note that humans can also be at risk if they ingest high levels of domoic acid. Regular testing of food consumed by humans helps to detect the presence of this toxin.
While toxic algae occurrences are a natural and frequent phenomenon along the United States’ coastlines, the unusually high number of sick and deceased animals observed in June is cause for concern. Berman Kowalewski, director of the Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit, has stated that in his 20-year career, he has never witnessed such an alarming quantity of sick and deceased animals.
According to researchers, anchovies play a key role in this ecosystem. They consume the algae, which in turn is consumed by sea lions and dolphins. The current abundance of these anchovies in the sea might be contributing to the widespread sickness and death among marine animals.
The situation is being closely monitored by researchers and marine wildlife organizations in order to grasp the full extent of the problem and develop strategies to mitigate its impact on the marine ecosystem.
It’s disheartening to hear about the ongoing struggles faced by marine life along the California coast. The suspected link to domoic acid is alarming and calls for immediate action to protect these creatures and their ecosystem.