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.
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.
This article by Willow Lynn was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 29 June 2023.
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