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A rowdy sea lion frightened surfers this week as it charged at them multiple times, even leaving the water to chase them onto the shore, as seen in a video from the event.
Experts revealed that the sea lion was severely affected by domoic acid, a toxin resulting from an extraordinary bloom of harmful algae in the area, which alters the animals’ brain functions and induces aggressive behavior, reported FOX 11.
Thousands of sea lions and other marine life have been impacted, leading to increased dolphin fatalities and at least two whale deaths compared to previous years.
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A rowdy sea lion frightened surfers this week as it charged at them multiple times, venturing onto the shore to pursue them, as captured in a video. (FOX 11)
“These domoic acid events are becoming larger, more severe, and occurring more often,” stated John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center. “It’s alarming. How much longer can these species endure such treatment before they disappear? That’s the pressing question, and I’m unsure of the answer.”
In addition to domoic acid, the harmful algae bloom also produces Saxitoxin, which leads to paralytic shellfish poisoning in marine life.
Experts reported that the sea lion was suffering from severe domoic acid due to an unprecedented bloom of toxic algae in the region, impacting the animals’ behavior. (FOX 11)
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Saxitoxin not only disorients the animals but can also cause irreversible brain damage and heighten aggressive tendencies.
Unfortunately, the ailing sea lion was euthanized after it was determined to be too ill to recover.
Some marine animals have the potential to recover if the toxins are addressed quickly, as reported by the station.
The ailing sea lion was euthanized after being assessed as too sick to recuperate. (FOX 11)
“They’re facing some of the worst challenges imaginable,” Warner commented on the affected sea lions and other animals, “and they’re not in good health.”
Previously, last summer, a pair of sea lions were filmed charging at beachgoers further south at La Jolla beach in San Diego County. This occurred during the mating season for the mammals.
