Present for several years in Southern California, these toxic algae have already killed numerous cetaceans and other marine animals since the beginning of the year. Recently, a young fin whale was found dead, further intensifying an already alarming situation.
Toxic Algae Continue to Kill Marine Animals in California
Since the beginning of the year, numerous marine creature deaths have been reported in Southern California. Hundreds of sea lions, dolphins, seals, and sea lions have died from poisoning caused by toxic algae, laments Michael Milstein, spokesperson for the West Coast regional office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the region has been impacted by such events, according to the Los Angeles Times. Recently, a young male fin whale, a species protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, was found dead despite efforts by authorities to push it away from the shores contaminated by these harmful algae.
Algae Containing Domoic Acid
These marine plants proliferate due to “an upwelling of ocean water that has brought enough nutrients to the surface to allow the algae to thrive,” explains Michael Milstein. They are also dangerous due to their high content of domoic acid, a neurotoxin that is ingested by filter-feeding fish like anchovies or sardines, which are then eaten by dolphins or sea lions.
The American media informs us that consuming these algae causes seizures in marine animals, head movements known as « star-gazing, » or even coma. This is an alarming situation, especially as endangered species like blue whales or Guadalupe fur seals are also falling victim to it.
Source: science-et-vie
