Hundreds of Marine Animals Die Due to Toxic Algae Bloom in Southern California

Toxic algae continues to kill marine animals in California

Since the start of the year, many deaths of sea creatures have been identified in southern California. Hundreds of sea lions and dolphins, but also seals and sea lions are poisoned by a toxic alga, deplores Michael Milstein, spokesperson for the West Coast of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Algae that contains domoic acid

These marine plants proliferate thanks “to a rise in the ocean swell which brought up to the surface enough nutrients to allow algae to prosper,” explains Michael Milstein. They are also dangerous because of their high amount of home -like acid, a neurotoxin which is ingested by filter fish such as anchovies or sardines, which are then eaten by dolphins or sea lions.

The American media tells us that the consumption of these algae causes convulsions in marine animals, head movements called “stars observation”, or a coma. An alarming situation, especially as endangered species such as blue whales or guadalupe fur seals are victims?

Is this neurotoxin dangerous for humans?

Although they are less dangerous than the green algae present in Brittany for decades and which have a health risk due to the emission of hydrogen sulfide, which at a high concentration can be fatal in a few minutes, these algae can still have repercussions on our health.

Indeed, we can ingest, like the marine animals mentioned above, of domoic acid through the fish that feed on phytoplankton or seafood. According to handles, this neurotoxin interferes with the mechanisms of neurotransmission in the brain, which can cause short -term memory disorders, brain damage, respiratory.

Source: Los Angeles Times