Introduction to the Crisis
Daily for the last week or so, rescue teams have been called to Southern California beaches to help dolphins that are sick and flailing, stranded on the sand. Experiencing seizures, most likely caused by eating fish and shellfish poisoned by an unusually early bloom of toxic algae, the dolphins have been seeking safety on the sand.
The Impact on Marine Life
So have been sea lions and sea birds, found in large numbers dehydrated, seizing and otherwise struggling on beaches, and the numbers are ramping up. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said centers from Ventura to Orange County have been getting more than 100 calls a day. Overwhelmed by the number of animals it appears this current algae bloom is sickening, rescue centers are asking local governments for more assistance.
Comparison to Previous Years
Mass strandings from toxic algae blooms are becoming almost yearly occurrences. One in 2023 had centers overflowing with animals needing rehabilitation and more than 1,000 sea lions and dolphins were reported dead. “This is worse than 2023,” said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Center Los Angeles in San Pedro. “Our vets are out there every morning euthanizing dolphins. We’ve never experienced that.”
The Cause of the Problem
Researchers at the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System are monitoring the bloom. Early reports said the animals were likely being affected in deeper, offshore waters, but monitoring stations are picking up evidence of the toxin closer to shore. Now, about four weeks after centers started reporting the unseasonably early bloom produced by a species of marine plankton filled with a neurotoxin called domoic acid, Warner is asking for more help from local governments in Los Angeles County.
Request for Assistance
After the 2023 episode, he approached his beach cities and Los Angeles County, warning that changing ocean conditions could mean more frequent bouts of the toxic blooms and other factors that sicken marine life. “We just came off of what was the worst thing we had ever seen less than two years ago,” he said, adding that to compound the present challenges, there is a delay in getting seizure medications needed to treat the animals and the centers are having to go to human-grade pharmacies where the costs are much higher.
Financial Support
Among the cities giving annual financial support are Long Beach, Ranchos Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, and they gave tens of thousands of dollars to MMCLA this year. The amounts given are what the center asked for based on beach coverage, stranding numbers, and city budget sizes, Warner said. “These are not large dollar amounts we’re asking for, but, in the aggregate, it really provides us about 20% of our annual operating budget, which gives us the ability to start a year not at zero and able to absorb with regular increasing philanthropy the needs,” Warner said.
The Role of Lifeguards
Lifeguards are usually the first to get these calls, and our responders have told them what they can do to keep the animal alive until we get there, said Warner. “They’ve got towels that they wet, and they know not to put towels over the blow hole. And to have the animal in the sand on their stomach so they’re supported firmly in the sand because they will be shaking, seizing, or flopping. Keeping them really calm and keeping people away.” When beachgoers get to the dolphins first, their inclination is often to push the animals back in the water, said Dr. Alissa Deming, chief veterinarian at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. That’s the worst thing they can do, because a seizing dolphin would likely drown, she said.
Current Situation
The number of affected sea lions is also increasing, with MMCLA reporting at least 80 being cared for in-house and as many dead on beaches. At the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, rescues in the last two weeks have skyrocketed, with 45 animals – most pregnant females – now in its care. “This morning, we had three calls within 30 minutes of daylight breaking,” CEO Glenn Gray said Tuesday. “That’s the magnitude of it.”
Collaboration and Funding
With the passage of Proposition 4 last year, a state bond measure to fund climate projects, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley she said she is looking at how to bring funding to Orange County. “I am committed to finding creative ongoing funding sources for PMMC, including collaborating with our state relationships,” she said, adding that her office in previous years has supported the center.
Conclusion
The situation with toxic algae blooms in Southern California is dire, with rescue centers overwhelmed and in need of assistance. The collaboration between lifeguards, rescue centers, and local governments is crucial in addressing this crisis. As the frequency and severity of these events increase, it is essential to find creative and ongoing funding sources to support the critical mission of rescue centers.
FAQs
- Q: What is causing the marine animals to be sick and stranded on beaches?
A: The animals are likely being poisoned by eating fish and shellfish contaminated with domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by a species of marine plankton. - Q: How can beachgoers help when they encounter a stranded animal?
A: Beachgoers should not touch or push the animals back into the water. Instead, they should keep a safe distance and contact local lifeguards or rescue centers for assistance. - Q: What is being done to address the crisis and support rescue centers?
A: Local governments, rescue centers, and lifeguards are collaborating to address the crisis. Additionally, there are efforts to secure funding and resources to support the critical mission of rescue centers. - Q: How can the public support rescue centers and affected marine animals?
A: The public can support rescue centers by donating funds, volunteering, and spreading awareness about the issue. They can also contact their local representatives to advocate for increased funding and support for rescue centers.
