Natural toxin in algae kills sea lions
SANTA MONICA “”mdash; Three dead sea lions washed ashore on
several beaches Monday after getting sick from a natural toxin
released by algae.
That brings the total number of sea lions washing ashore in
recent days to eight, though the previous five were still
alive.
Those animals, some of whom were pregnant, were being nursed
back to health by the nonprofit group Whale Rescue Team after they
were found ashore in Playa Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and Will
Rogers State beaches in recent weeks.
The dead sea lions washed up at Cabrillo and White Point beaches
in San Pedro.
Peter Wallerstein, a spokesman for the rescue group, said it
appeared the sea lions were victims of domoic acid, a natural toxin
produced by an algae that has sickened dozens of sea mammals off
the Southern California coast in recent years. It attacks the
nervous system and causes seizures.
“In 20 years, this is the hardest thing I’ve
seen,” Wallerstein said, “the look in the eyes of these
sea lions while those neurotoxins are exploding in their
brains.” The rescue group has picked up 118 beached sea
mammals so far this year, he said, and many of the young sea lions
did not survive the domoic acid poisoning.
New hotline service helps callers find what they
need
LOS ANGELES “”mdash; Several Southern California counties are
preparing to roll out an emergency hotline service that will offer
residents referrals to agencies that help with various needs.
Beginning July 1, callers to the 211 information line can get
help in finding affordable child or elder care, how to escape
domestic violence or where to get help with housing.
“The 211 service will make it easier for the public to get
access to the help they need,” said Maribel Marin, executive
director of San Gabriel-based Info Line, which will be answering
calls in Los Angeles County. Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Santa
Barbara counties will also get on the system in July, and other
counties will get on the system later this year.
Compiled from Bruin wire services.