Sea Lion Bites Surfer During Major Domoic Acid Poisoning Outbreak in California

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What began as a typical surfing outing for RJ LaMendola took a shocking turn when a sea lion unexpectedly charged at him. Approximately 150 yards offshore in Southern California, LaMendola was enjoying the waves when the sea lion surfaced and displayed unusually aggressive behavior. He described the incident in a detailed Facebook post, likening the creature’s demeanor to that of a “deranged predator.” Despite his efforts to paddle back to shore, the sea lion managed to bite him, breaking through his wetsuit.

“Never have I had one charge me, especially at that ferocity, mouth open,” LaMendola recounted in an interview with the Ventura County Star. “It really was out of, like, a horror movie.” After making it back to the beach, he sought medical attention and reported the encounter to local wildlife authorities.

Experts suggest that the sea lion was likely suffering from domoic acid poisoning, a condition typically caused by toxic algae blooms. This phenomenon has led to one of the most severe outbreaks of domoic acid poisoning recorded in Southern California, with numerous sea lions and dolphins showing signs of this distressing condition. Reports from the Los Angeles Times highlight that many affected animals are being found dead or near death.

Currently, at least 140 sick sea lions are under care at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, as these animals face a challenging survival rate of 50 to 65 percent with treatment. Other marine facilities, such as the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, are also treating roughly 45 sea lions. Additionally, SeaWorld San Diego has intervened in the rescue of 15 afflicted individuals this year, while some sea lions have already been discovered dead on local beaches.

Glenn Gray, CEO of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, noted the alarming frequency of incidents, stating, “This morning, we had three calls within 30 minutes of daylight breaking.” The situation is compounded by an impressive number of dolphins similarly washing ashore, with veterinarians frequently resorting to euthanasia because of the low survival chances associated with domoic acid poisoning, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

“It’s the only humane option,” said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, during comments made to the Westside Current. The grim reality is evident, reflected in an uptick in wildlife mortality rates since a similar outbreak in 2023, when over 1,000 sea lions perished. Observations indicate that the current outbreak is on track to eclipse that grim statistic.

These harmful algae blooms emerged approximately five weeks ago, a situation caused by environmental conditions which fuel the proliferation of microscopic phytoplankton. Some varieties of phytoplankton generate domoic acid, which accumulates in marine organisms, leading to the poisoning of mammals that consume contaminated fish and shellfish. Humans can unfortunately also fall victim to this toxin through similar dietary avenues.

Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning include seizures, lethargy, and unusual neck movements known as “stargazing.” While aggressive behavior is not common, instances like LaMendola’s experience serve as a warning that sick animals can act unpredictably.

Ruth Dover, managing director of the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute, commented on the dire implications, stating, “The neurotoxin is crippling and killing sea lions and dolphins.” The origin of the ongoing bloom appears to date back to cold water from deeper ocean waters resurfacing in February, with indications that it is now moving closer to shore. Ongoing research is attempting to gauge the bloom’s duration and effects.

Authorities are increasingly vocalizing concerns regarding the increasing frequency and intensity of harmful algae blooms, attributing these trends to climate change, agricultural runoff, and other anthropogenic influences. This marks the fourth consecutive year that a toxic bloom has proliferated off the Southern California coast, as articulated by Dave Bader, chief operating officer of the Marine Mammal Care Center. “We don’t know what the long-term impacts will be for having so many consecutive years of this toxic bloom,” Bader remarked.

With marine mammals like dolphins serving as indicators of ocean health, their suffering indicates broader ecological issues. The recent outbreak has strained the resources of veterinarians, volunteers, and beachgoers. Lifeguards are particularly affected, offering comfort to critically injured dolphins while managing crowds until wildlife authorities can arrive.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings of sick or dead marine life. It’s equally crucial that individuals maintain a safe distance from these animals, as troubling their natural behaviors can exacerbate their distress or lead to death, particularly for dolphins who experience extreme anxiety when out of the water and surrounded by onlookers. “People need to leave them alone and not crowd around them,” Warner emphasizes, advocating for the responsible observation of marine wildlife.

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