The presence of sea lions in the waters of Southern California had, up until this point, posed a relatively minor threat to beachgoers, surfers, and swimmers.
According to the findings of scientists, a naturally occurring bloom of toxic algae, which contains a neurotoxic, is infecting local populations of sea lions and other marine mammals. This causes the animals to become lethargic, causes them to experience seizures, and in some instances causes them to become violent.
An angry sea lion attacked a girl who was 15 years old during her swim test for the cadet lifeguard program in Long Beach over the weekend. The attack left the girl with bites, scrapes, and bruises on her arm. The girl was given the opportunity to participate in the program.
An attack by a sea lion was also reported by a surfer in Oxnard which occurred one week earlier.
The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro has reported that they are witnessing an unprecedented amount of sick sea lions and dolphins that have become stranded around the shoreline of Los Angeles. These animals are found anywhere from Malibu to Long Beach.
According to Dave Bader, a marine biologist at the MMCC, who spoke with Angeli Kakade of KTLA, “We have seen over 250 animals this year so far, when normally through the course of an entire year we only see 300.”
The strength of the bloom that is occurring off the shores of Southern California is a result of climate change, according to Bader, who spoke with KTLA.
He remarked, “This is not to be expected.” Therefore, out of the ordinary behavior is one of the things that would lead us to conclude that the animal in question most likely possesses a neurotoxic.
Sea lions that are both sick and aggressive pose a significant threat to anybody who come into contact with them. It is possible for the marine creatures to weigh up to 700 pounds and have a height of six feet.
Lifeguards who were watching the swim test raced out to assist the teenage girl in getting back to shore, where she was subsequently sent to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. In the case of the girl, the lifeguards were monitoring the swim test. The good news is that she did not sustain any significant injuries; nonetheless, she is currently out of the water.
Additionally, the surfer was able to make his way back to land without incident from the water.
“I would say that if you see a sea lion in and around an area that you are swimming in, you should probably come out of the water and give that animal space,” said Bader. “When you see a sea lion, you should probably give it space.”
It was further stated by the biologist that the harmful algal blooms are not showing any indications of slowing down, at least for the time being, and that individuals should exercise caution when venturing into the ocean.
Everyone who comes across a sick or stranded marine mammal has the ability to notify the nearest lifeguard and phone 1-800-39-WHALE to submit a report about the situation.
Recent sea lion attacks on L.A. beaches likely tied to toxic algal bloom.
