US EditionBurden caring for animals sickened by toxic algae bloom is taxing rescuers, budgets with no end in sight
- Since late February 2025, over 800 marine animals affected by toxic algae outbreaks have flooded rehabilitation facilities throughout the Southern California shoreline.
- The blooms originated off Baja and spread north, fueled by La Niña conditions and nutrient-rich upwelling that support harmful algae like domoic acid-producing Pseudo-nitzschia.
- Rescue groups report high mortality rates, including a 100% fatality rate for dolphins and 60% mortality for sea lions, while struggling with limited funding and emotional strain.
- John Warner, who leads the Marine Mammal Center in Los Angeles, is advocating for the state to increase its current $2 million yearly funding to $5 million, especially in light of recent $1.3 billion budget cuts proposed for NOAA and ongoing local financial challenges.
- Though signs show the bloom may be easing, ongoing animal care needs and funding shortfalls suggest continued challenges for marine rescues and wildlife health monitoring.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Bodies of animals seen everywhere as toxic algae bloom taking toll on Southern California's marine life
One by one, four California sea lions slipped out of their transport crates and glided into the cool Pacific waters, just off the Southern California coastline. The SeaWorld San Diego rescue vessel floated nearby, its crew watching intently as the animals re-entered their natural habitat. Almost immediately, one of the sea lions dove beneath the […]
Sewage Spill Closes Stretch of Coast in Orange County
A sewage spill has prompted health officials to close a stretch of coastline in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, authorities said Saturday. The ocean water closure affects an area from the Talbert Channel outfall at Huntington State Beach to the projection of Grant Street in Newport Beach, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Services department. The spill of approximately 4,000 gallons was caused by a root…
Hastings Tribune
The Derrick‘Just bodies of animals everywhere’: Toxic algae bloom taking a toll on Southern California's marine life
SAN DIEGO — One by one, the four California sea lions slid out of their crates and into the ocean. As the SeaWorld San Diego rescue boat bobbed nearby, one of the pinnipeds dove deep and then popped his head…
'Just bodies of animals everywhere': Toxic algae bloom taking a toll on Southern California's marine life
SAN DIEGO — One by one, the four California sea lions slid out of their crates and into the ocean. As the SeaWorld San Diego rescue boat bobbed nearby, one of the pinnipeds dove deep and then popped his head out of the water, his mouth full of ...
Daily Breeze
Burden caring for animals sickened by toxic algae bloom is taxing rescuers, budgets with no end in sight
Sick and dead marine mammals have been littering the Southern California coast for months, poisoned by waves of toxic algae blooms, which have rescue groups working overtime and burning through their budgets. Since late February, more than 800 poisoned animals have been reported in just Los Angeles and Orange counties and authorities have repeatedly warned beachgoers to keep their distance as the sickened animals struggle in the surf — there hav…
‘Just bodies of animals everywhere’: Toxic algae bloom taking a toll on California marine life
One by one, the four California sea lions slid out of their crates and into the ocean. As the SeaWorld San Diego rescue boat bobbed nearby, one of the pinnipeds dove deep and then popped his head out of the water, his mouth full of what may have been a squid. SeaWorld’s rescue curator Jeni Smith smiled. “We had a pep talk,” she said, “and I said, ‘Don’t eat those toxic fish, OK? Get the good fish.’” Related Articles Man arrested on…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
