Sick, Disoriented Sea Lions Are Washing Ashore Across California

The lovable sea lions that call the California coastline home are dealing with a new threat that is making them sick and disoriented. Here is a closer look at what is causing the illnesses.

California Sea Lions Suffering from Toxicosis

An alarmingly high number of sea lions are suffering from domoic acid poisoning in California. Also known as toxicosis, this condition causes sea lions to become sick, disoriented, and erratic.

According to the Marine Mammal Center, more than 100 sea lions have washed ashore and been rescued since the start of the year. The bulk of these rescues have happened since July 1. The rescue center located in Sausalito said that it has fielded between 300 and 600 calls each day from concerned citizens spotting sick sea lions.

The center recently told reporters that, "Over the past week alone, approximately 30 sea lions have been rescued in Monterey County and southern Santa Cruz County, with additional rescues occurring primarily in San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties."

Domoic acid is an algal toxin that accumulates in fish and shellfish naturally. Marine mammals can become ill after eating contaminated fish and shellfish.

The illness presents itself in a myriad of ways in sea lions, ranging from lethargy, disorientation, twitching, tremors, seizures, neurological symptoms, and erratic behavior. The most severe cases can result in permanent brain or heart damage. The veterinarians at the Marine Mammal Center are treating the sick animals with a combination of anti-seizure medication and supportive IV fluids.