Sea lions, dolphins sick from tainted fish
SM BEACH — Anyone spotting a sea lion or dolphin washed up on local shores would be wise to leave it alone.
Peter Wallerstein, president of the non-profit group Whale Rescue, said pregnant sea lions and common dolphins will be washing up on shore over the next few weeks during a birthing season plagued by poison.
Whale Rescue helped more than 165 amphibious animals return to their watery home last year, but that number has already been surpassed this year, due largely to a domoic acid poisoning. The poison causes the animals to come ashore following a seizure, during which they frequently abort their unborn offspring, Wallerstein said.
“We’re averaging about five to eight rescues per day now,” said Wallerstein, whose group’s seaside territory runs from Palisades south down to San Pedro. “Two of the 10, on average, will wake up from their seizure on shore, confused and bite.”
Wallerstein said some algae blooming right now produce domoic acid, which fish eat. Once sea lions and dolphins eat the fish, they often come down with the poisoning that prompts the seizures.
Sea animals will often come ashore to escape the water.
“If they don’t come ashore, they’re brains will explode,” Wallerstein said. “It’s the only thing they can do to survive.”
Wallerstein said the neuro-toxin confuses the sea animals., so oftentimes they are agitated upon waking and will try to bite any beach-goers who attempt to give them a helping hand.
“If you see one of these animals, just leave it alone,” he advised.
Anyone who spots a sea animal out of the water is urged to contact a local lifeguard, who can see to it that the proper agencies are notified to assist with the animal’s rescue.
“It’s important to know these animals need space,” said Wallerstein.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 11, 2005. Read the original PDF.