LONG BEACH - An unusually high number of disoriented marine mammals, sickened by a toxic algae bloom, is being found along Southern California’s coast, prompting concerns 2025 could be the deadliest year yet.

As an algae bloom, formed off the shores of California, including Malibu and Dockweiler Beach, is occurring for the fourth year in a row, a neurological toxin called domoic acid from the algae has already sickened dozens of sea lions and elephant seals this year alone, causing them to strand with seizures or lethargy, according to the Marine Mammal Care Center, a nonprofit rescue organization.

While algae blooms are natural phenomena, the last four years have been more intense and widespread due to warmer water temperature, the rescue group said.

What’s more concerning this year compared to 2023 is the algae bloom is starting early in February.

In 2023, the Marine Mammal Care Center had 70 sea lions in its care by July. In early March of 2025, the center is already nearly half full.

“We have room for about 120 animals, and we’re already at 50 plus,” said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center. “This can add up to a real capacity issue quickly, where we run out of space, and that’s what happened in 2023.”

The animal rescue organization has been taking in up to eight sea lions or marine mammals a day in recent weeks, Warner told NBC news.

Story Date: March 17, 2025