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Sea Lions Hit by High Levels of Acid Poison
Topic Started: Jun 7 2007, 03:24 AM (74 Views)
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Sea Lions Hit by High Levels of Acid Poison in California
By REGAN MORRIS
Published: June 6, 2007

LOS ANGELES, June 5 — A distressed, possibly pregnant sea lion was wheeled recently into the Marine Mammal Care Center here, just as two other lions were herded into cages in preparation for their return to the ocean.

“That’s just the way it is,” said Lauren Palmer, the chief veterinarian at the center. “Two go out and more come in.”

Peter Wallerstein of the Whale Rescue Team, a private group authorized by Los Angeles to rescue whales and other marine mammals, said he had found the sea lion on the sand in nearby Manhattan Beach. Mr. Wallerstein said he feared she could have been poisoned by domoic acid, a toxin released by large blooms of algae that causes seizures in sea lions.

Southern California marine mammal hospitals have been overwhelmed by sea lions sick from the acid, which appeared in record levels off the coast of Los Angeles in April. Domoic acid poisoning has killed hundreds of the animals across Southern California this spring and thousands since a major outbreak in 2002, and has also afflicted animals in Monterey Bay, south of San Francisco.

“In over 22 years of marine mammal rescues, I’ve never seen such distress of marine mammals,” Mr. Wallerstein said. “The stress and the fright, it’s kind of shocking.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/06/science/...06sealions.html
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jezzie
Jun 7 2007, 03:24 AM
Mr. Wallerstein said he feared she could have been poisoned by domoic acid, a toxin released by large blooms of algae that causes seizures in sea lions.

Toxical algal blooms are possibly triggered by climatic changes. We have had some problems in our local river, where toxic algal blooms have made dogs and even some people too, very sick.

I can't get the link to work so I'll copy the story below.

Quote:
 
Toxic algal bloom found in Hutt River

16 November 2005

Pollution tests undertaken by the Cawthron Institute for Greater Wellington, have confirmed the thick green-black slimy algae mat seen on rocks along the banks of the Hutt River is highly toxic and can be harmful to animals and humans.

Vets have reported seeing several sick dogs during the week after they had been walking along the Hutt River.  It is believed the dogs have eaten algae.  One dog has since died.  Symptoms include shaking and convulsions.

The potentially toxic cyanobacteria Oscillatoria sp has been detected in high abundance and is thought to be the same species which was responsible for five dog deaths in the Waikanae River in the summer of 1998/99.

Nic Conland, Pollution Control Officer for Greater Wellington says low rainfall in recent weeks has reduced river flows.  He says that as nutrient levels become more concentrated they create near perfect conditions for algal blooms.  Nic reminds us that algal blooms are a natural occurrence and not all algae are toxic.

The Hutt City Council is erecting signs to warn people of the potential hazard of walking dogs along the river banks.  His advice is for dog owners to keep clear of the Hutt River until further testing confirms the absence of algal toxins.  What is needed is a good downpour to remove algal growth.  In the meantime if you see any algal blooms that may be suspicious contact your local council for advice.

As ingestion of algal toxins may be harmful to humans, Regional Public Health Medical Officer of Health, Dr Margot McLean, advises that people should avoid contact with algal material on the banks of the Hutt River.  In particular, parents or caregivers should supervise young children playing close to the river to ensure they do not touch or eat any algal material.

http://www.gw.govt.nz/story12505.cfm?

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