Red Tide in La Jolla Beach and the Afflicted Sea Lions

Surfrider Foundation National Office http://www.beachapedia.org/Domoic_Acid_and_Sea_Lions
Wikipedia

You are looking at red tides in Southern California near the Surfrider Foundation National Office. The red tides can be beautiful to look at, however, they are dangerous to the ocean, as well as to marine life. The subtle brown, purple, and red hue, can be seen in this part of the ocean during the summer, and as late as October in the fall; they have been proven to be harmful to the sea lion population, as well as other marine life. When the water becomes discolored it is because the algal has become dense. The red tide is on the surface and the algal blooms very rapidly come together to form the discoloration of the water. You can see these colors in a vibrant blue at night. You can also put the water in a jar and take it into a dark room and see the blue color. (which exhibits algal)
　

Domoic acid which is a naturally-occurring neurotoxin found in plankton when it blooms, has been the cause of hundreds of sea lions falling to an early death. The sea lions naturally eat sardines, mussels, clams and anchovies, which have injested the plankton. When the toxin begins to affect the hippocampus, (part of the brain) the marine mammal begins to deteriorate. What you will see the sea lion exhibiting when they have been infected with this domoic acid is, bobbing, mucus coming from the mouth, bulging of the eyes, head weaving, disorientation and sometimes even seizures. The ailing sea lions are almost always female and they are usually pregnant. Not much can be done unfortunately, for the afflicted sea lions. There have been times when Dr.s have given vitamin B12 mixed with 4 liters of an electrolyte solution to flush out the poison . They also receive medication to help control the seizures. However, the survival rate is only 25-50%. That is a very low percentage The suffering of these animals should not be happening. The deterioration is not fast. Look again at the pictures of the expired sea lions.

So, what can you do to help? How can you help save our marine animals and our oceans? Please click on the url provided and consider joining this wonderful cause.

-Kelly Peters

Sources:

http://www.beachapedia.org/Domoic_Acid_and_Sea_Lionshttp://www.beachapedia.org/Red_Tides_and_Harmful_Algal_Blooms#Human_Illness_Associated_with_

Harmful_Algae