Toxic Algae Suspected in Sickness of Over a Dozen Sea Lions on Malibu Beaches

Wildlife experts link the illnesses to domoic acid from harmful algal blooms, urging beachgoers to avoid distressed animals.

At least 14 sea lions have been reported sick along Malibu beaches over the past five days, with symptoms consistent with domoic acid toxicity.
Domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms, enters the food chain through contaminated fish consumed by marine mammals.
Symptoms in affected sea lions include seizures, lethargy, craning head movements known as 'stargazing,' and comatose states.
Officials caution the public to avoid interacting with distressed sea lions, as they may behave unpredictably and could bite or lunge without warning.
The suspected algal bloom follows a pattern of recent outbreaks in Southern California, exacerbated by environmental factors like rainfall and wildfire runoff.