𝗦𝗘𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘: Domoic Acid Crisis in Los Angeles County |  How You Can Help

Venice Beach, CA – March 17, 2025 – A distressed sea lion was rescued from Venice Beach on Monday, March 17, 2025, after being found along the shoreline exhibiting symptoms of illness. Personnel from the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) responded to the scene, securing the animal and transporting it for urgent treatment. A Los Angeles County Lifeguard assisted in loading the sick sea lion onto the rescue truck, ensuring its safe transport to MMCC’s rehabilitation facility.

According to Jules, a Marine Mammal Responder with the MMCC, this rescue is part of a larger, alarming trend. “We're responding to the harmful algal bloom that's affecting a lot of Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California right now,” Jules explained. “Animals like this out here are being affected by toxic algae.”

Rescue personnel suspect the sea lion is suffering from domoic acid toxicosis, a condition caused by harmful algal blooms off the California coast. These blooms, triggered by the microscopic algae Pseudo-nitzschia australis, produce the neurotoxin domoic acid, which accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies—a primary food source for sea lions. When consumed in large quantities, this toxin attacks the brain and heart, leading to seizures, neurological impairment, and heart failure.

“It works its way up from plankton, the algae, into the fish, then eventually, as the sea lions eat the fish, then it gets ingested into their tissues,” Jules elaborated. “It can affect certain organ systems, particularly their heart and their brain, leading to all kinds of neurological problems.”

The MMCC flyer distributed along the beach warns of common neurological symptoms in sea lions with domoic acid toxicosis, including head extended backward, foaming at the mouth, side-to-side head movement, and seizures.

If left untreated, domoic acid poisoning can result in permanent brain damage, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term neurological issues. While there is no direct cure, MMCC veterinarians employ supportive treatments to help affected sea lions recover. Because the toxin is water-soluble, hydration therapy is used to flush it from their system. The animals are also provided with fish that is free of domoic acid, while veterinarians administer anti-seizure medications, similar to those used for humans, to control symptoms. MMCC’s veterinary team is actively researching new therapies aimed at reducing brain inflammation and minimizing long-term damage. Recovery time varies based on the severity of exposure, but if treated early, the sea lions have a strong chance of rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.

Authorities have reported a sharp increase in sick and stranded sea lions along Los Angeles County’s coastline, raising concerns among marine conservationists and beachgoers. “It's affecting so many animals right now,” Jules stated. “We're getting hundreds of calls. So many animals are washing up on the beach, including dolphins as well. We're just overwhelmed, and we thank everyone for their patience, and we appreciate everyone's support.”

The public is urged to report any sightings of distressed marine mammals to MMCC’s hotline at 1-800-39-WHALE and to keep a safe distance of at least 50 feet from the animals. Experts warn that approaching, touching, or feeding affected sea lions can be dangerous, as the animals may be disoriented or aggressive due to neurological distress. Keeping pets leashed and notifying lifeguards about stranded marine life can also help ensure the safety of both the animals and the community.

The increase in sea lion strandings highlights a growing environmental crisis affecting marine life along the West Coast. Toxic algal blooms are becoming more frequent, with domoic acid poisoning now considered a significant threat to California’s marine mammal population. MMCC continues to lead the response to this crisis, working year-round to rescue, rehabilitate, and release affected animals. Since its establishment in 1992, the center has cared for over 8,000 stranded marine mammals and remains one of the busiest marine mammal rehabilitation facilities in the country.

The Venice Beach sea lion rescue serves as yet another reminder of the environmental challenges facing marine wildlife. As toxic algal blooms continue to impact coastal ecosystems, public awareness, conservation efforts, and support for rehabilitation programs like MMCC remain essential to protecting California’s vulnerable marine species.

Contact:

Marine Mammal Care Center
1-800-39-WHALE
marinemammalcare.org