A series of uncommon sea lion assaults along the Southern California coastline is sparking worry with specialists cautioning about a disturbing potential environmental factor.
The most recent event took place during a 1,000-yard lifeguard swimming competition in Long Beach on Sunday, March 30. A 15-year-old girl was assaulted and subsequently taken to the hospital. Not long before this, a surfer was allegedly nipped by a sea lion near Ventura County’s shores.
Although interactions between sea lions and people generally remain free of violence, marine experts report an increase in hostile actions from these animals—possibly due to a hazardous algal bloom.
Marine mammal specialists attribute the increase in attacks to a neurotoxin known as domoic acid, which is generated by toxic algae outbreaks. This toxin affects a sea lion’s brain along with essential organs such as the heart and liver.
Sea lions consume it via contaminated fish.
After being consumed, it may lead to confusion, convulsions, and unpredictable actions in the creatures—increasing their tendency to attack when they wander into shallow regions and inhabited zones.
The Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles stated that sea lions affected by domoic acid may turn unusually hostile, often suddenly recovering from seizures and displaying erratic behavior.
The neurotoxin poses risks to both humans and other marine life, being responsible for causing amnesic shellfish poisoning.
Specialists advise people to maintain a safe distance from sea lions both in the water and on the shore, especially in regions where algae blooms occur.
The sea lion depicted in the aforementioned image is named Romeo, a 400-pound male. He was saved near Los Angeles at the end of February.
The Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles reported that during his time at the beach, Romeo exhibited unusual behaviors suggestive of a neurological disorder, such as experiencing a seizure,” they stated. “Their veterinary staff concluded that he was probably affected by domoic acid poisoning.
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