Dolphins washed up on shore at both Carbon Beach and Escondido Beach last week Wednesday and Thursday. The dolphins died as a result of a recent algae bloom, which produces a naturally occurring toxin called domoic acid. Fish consume the algae, and then dolphins eat the fish, resulting in their deaths.
“We’re having an algae bloom,” Cindy Reyes, executive director of the California Wildlife Center said. “It’s a pretty typical domoic acid event.”
The toxin, which is produced by a marine algae called pseudo nitzschia, is harmless in small quantities, but large amounts cause harm to marine life.
“When there’s a large bloom, a large quantity, it builds up in the fish and that’s when the mammals get it,” Reyes said.
Reyes explained that there have been a number of animals, mainly dolphins and sea lions, that have beached in the Santa Monica Bay area recently. Some come ashore dead, while others are alive, dying shortly after.
Samples have been sent to the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California for testing.
The Wildlife Center reminds the public to not handle any animals, alive or dead, encountered on shore. People that come across beached marine mammals should remain at a safe distance, keeping children and pets away. Animals may look disoriented, but can become alert at any time and may be dangerous.
Beachgoers who come across stranded marine animals should notify the nearest lifeguard or call the California Wildlife Center hotline at 310.485.9453.