'It looked possessed' - sick sea lions attacking beachgoers in California

April 9, 2025

Recently off Southern California's coast, surfer Rj LaMendola was attacked by a sea lion suffering from domoic acid toxicosis, a neurological condition caused by harmful algal blooms that have appeared for four consecutive years. The current bloom started earlier than usual and spans approximately 370 miles of Southern California coastline, sickening dozens of marine animals that display symptoms like seizures and intense lethargy. According to John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, they've admitted 195 sea lions from February 20 to March's end compared to only 50 during the same period last year.

Who is affected

Sea lions and other marine predators experiencing neurological issues from domoic acid toxicosis
Beachgoers like Rj LaMendola and 15-year-old Phoebe Beltran who have been attacked
Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, which is overwhelmed with sick animals and facing space and funding limitations

What action is being taken

The Marine Mammal Care Center treats affected sea lions with anti-seizure medication, sedation, twice-daily tube feeding, and hydration, giving them a 50% to 65% recovery chance if treated promptly
Authorities are advising beachgoers to stay at least 50 feet away from stranded animals and avoid intervention

Why it matters

The algal bloom's appearance for four consecutive years raises concerns it may be becoming an annual event
Recovery rates are slower this year, with many sea lions still lethargic after five weeks of treatment compared to typically beginning to eat within one week in 2023

What’s next

No explicit next steps were stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC