Harmful Algae Bloom Kills Thousands of Dolphins and Sea Lions off the California Coast

Between June 8 and June 14, thousands of dolphins and sea lions washed up dead along the California coast. The cause of death has been attributed to a harmful algae bloom along the coast of Southern California. The algae produce a neurotoxin that is harmful to marine mammals when it is ingested. Typically, they ingest this toxin through their prey.

Source: KTLA 5/YouTube

Although seasonal algae blooms are a natural occurrence in California’s waters, the severity of the blooms is affected by various factors. Evidence suggests that this year’s blooms spread further than is normal. Scientists believe that Climate change is affecting these blooms due to increased light and warming ocean waters. 

Learn more about how Climate change is affecting our oceans on One Green Planet at The Hidden Impact: Unearthing Pollution in the Deepest Oceans, Robot Jellyfish Swarms Could Help Clean Plastic Out of Oceans, and Māori Artist Raises Awareness for Plastic Pollution By Showing What Oceans Will Look Like in 100 Years.

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Related Content:

• Thousands Of Dead Fish Wash Up in California’s Bay Area Amid Mass Algae Bloom
• Algae Bloom in San Francisco Bay Makes Water Brown and Murky
• Study Finds That Toxins From Algae Blooms Can Become Airborne
• 169 Toxic Algae Blooms Were Reported Last Year – Here’s What Your Cheeseburger Has to Do With That
• These Shoes Are Literally Made by Cleaning Up Deadly Algae Blooms

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