Summary
This spring, Southern California experienced a long-lasting toxic algae bloom, affecting many marine animals, including sea lions. The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro cared for nearly 400 animals before releasing them, like Patchouli the sea lion, back into the wild. Researchers will now study samples from the affected animals to understand the impact of the toxin and if wildfire runoff contributed to the algae bloom.
Key Facts
- A toxic algae bloom occurred in Southern California this spring.
- The algae bloom was one of the longest recorded in the area.
- It sickened at least 1,500 marine animals, including sea lions and dolphins.
- The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro took in nearly 400 animals for treatment.
- Patchouli the sea lion was among the last animals released back to the ocean after care.
- The center saved samples from affected animals to study the toxin's effects.
- Scientists are exploring whether runoff from January wildfires affected the bloom.
- The center has treated nearly 10,000 marine animals since it opened in 1992.
