A toxic algae bloom has been killing hundreds of sea lions, dolphins, and whales along the coast of Los Angeles County.
There are only a handful of marine biologists responsible for rescuing all of them.
In the KNX News series “Toxic Waters,” Emily Valdez followed marine biologist Jules Leon for a first-hand look at the Marine Mammal Care Center’s effort to save sea lions poisoned by domoic acid.
“We have a team, but it's a small team,” Leon said. “Usually we only have about two rescuers working a day, and for two rescuers to cover all 70 miles of coastline that we respond to, it’s impossible to do it all.”
Leon said the care center takes in up to 10 animals every day during the peak of the algae bloom. Each rescue can be a multi-hour endeavor.
“It’s a huge strain on our hospital team that does amazing work,” he said. “It's a huge strain on us. The fact that it just takes so much time.”
The survival rate for sea lions with domoic acid poisoning is only about 50%. Often, rescue crews will arrive on the beach and find the animals already dead.
“I don't have time to be sad, because if I took the time to be sad about each and every one, I wouldn't be able to help the ones that I could help,” Leon said. “But it does take its toll on some level for sure.”
This is the fourth year in a row that a toxic algae bloom has sickened animals off the coast of Southern California. It used to happen only once or twice every 10 years. What changed?
“In short, climate change,” Leon said. “The main thing that is affecting these harmful algal blooms are going to be nutrients.”
He explained that climate change could be causing more favorable conditions for the harmful algae to grow. Fertilizers from urban areas that run off into the oceans can also contribute.
If you see a sick lion, experts warn to stay back and call the Marine Mammal Care Center rescue hotline at 800-39-WHALE.
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