A sea lion attacked 15-year-old Phoebe Beltran during a Junior Lifeguards swim test in Long Beach, California, on March 30. This event led to alarming concerns of the increasing algae-related poisonings of marine mammal species in the region. Experts are horrified to think that the toxic blooms could be producing erratic behavior in these creatures, producing unprovoked, dangerous attacks.
Phoebe was participating in a 1000-yard swim test when the sea lion bit her arm, resulting in injuries that required brief hospitalization. The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California explains that bites from marine life are extremely uncommon. That’s what they are trying to pinpoint with the recent uptick in aggressive behavior by these animals on the coast.
Giancarlo Rulli, a spokesperson for the Marine Mammal Center, stated, “Although lethargy, disorientation, and abnormal neurologic behavior (seizures/tremoring) are typical primary behaviors for sea lions impacted by the neurotoxin, erratic and sometimes aggressive behavior can occur.” This warning comes in light of similar incidents, including an encounter with a surfer near Oxnard who described the sea lion’s actions as “feral, almost demonic, devoid of the curiosity or playfulness.”
This year, the toxic algae bloom showed up sooner than usual. It is having a huge impact along the picturesque coastline between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Since it first appeared in late February, it has sickened hundreds of marine animals. The unusual severity of this bloom has posed new and crucial questions about the causes of its emergence. Many believe that debris from January’s wildfires in Los Angeles helped set the stage for this storm track to develop.
According to the Marine Mammal Center, this is the fourth year in a row that California has faced widespread domoic acid outbreaks. Only two years ago, we were hit with the most severe bloom on record. Its monstrous tentacles snatched the lives of more than 1,000 marine mammals in a single month. Each day, the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network takes 100+ calls from the public regarding stranded or unhealthy sea lions and dolphins. The need to address this crisis becomes clear with every delayed call.
John Warner, chief executive officer of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, expressed concern about the emotional toll on field workers: “It does take an emotional toll in the field.” He added that resources are limited, saying, “Year after year, it’s getting tough. Each of our organizations is trying hard to get to as many animals as we can, but we don’t have the resources to rescue every one that is out there.”
After these incidents, Giancarlo Rulli warns people to keep a safe space between themselves and marine animals. If you’re on a beach, Delany recommends giving animals a buffer of at least 150 feet to prevent surprise encounters.
Aggressive sea lion behavior associated with toxic algae blooms has become a disturbing pattern. This increase in hostility is alarming not only for beachgoers, but especially to marine animals. With algae blooms on the increase and a growing threat to animal health, this is an important issue. In response, officials are keeping a watchful eye and warning incoming residents and visitors to coastal areas to remain alert.