Beginning early this summer, we have seen flare-ups of animals stranding with signs of domoic acid poisoning. These are primarily California sea lions, but also fur seals, and have recently been heavily concentrated on the Monterey Peninsula. Since 1998, when we diagnosed the first case in marine mammals, this brutal disease has become much more unpredictable and intense.

Domoic acid poisoning is caused by harmful algal blooms. The neurotoxin accumulates in small fish that are eaten by marine mammals including sea lions. If left untreated, domoic acid can cause marine mammals to have seizures and heart failure.

How you can help right now

• Give wildlife at least 150 feet of distance for your safety, as well as for the animals and any nearby children or pets. All wildlife can be unpredictable, but sick animals are particularly stressed and disoriented.
• Call our hotline at 415-289-SEAL (7325) to report marine mammals in distress. Caring people like you play a critical role in these rescues by alerting our trained responders. Please know they are doing everything possible to help each animal in need.
• In addition to giving wildlife space and reporting animals, you can contribute to these efforts by spreading the word, signing up to volunteer with us, or donating.

Domoic acid responses are often labor-intensive and involve multi-hundred-pound animals. Our Dispatch team receives more than 350 calls to our hotline on their busiest days. Our trained responders, who are almost exclusively volunteers, have successfully rescued hundreds of animals this summer. They have also shared your heartbreak during distressing calls where patients begin seizing or pass away.

Your support makes this work possible. We are grateful for the care and support of our community, especially during times like this, and deeply appreciate our dedicated volunteers, staff, and partners working tirelessly to help these animals.