Sea Lions

Sea Lions: An algal bloom along the California coast has released a neurotoxin, causing sea lions to become aggressive and attack beachgoers and surfers.

• About Sea Lions: Brlongs to Otariidae family, includes five species – California, Northern, Southern, Australian, and New Zealand sea lions.
• Habitat: Found along Western coasts of North America, from southeast Alaska to central Mexico, mainly on rocky shores and sandy beaches.
• Physical Traits: External ear flaps → long foreflippers Males have mane-like fur → Weight up to 1200 pounds (approx. 545 kg).
• Behavior: Normally non-aggressive and social, but currently showing lethal aggression due to neurological disorders.

• Lifespan: Average is 20 to 30 years.
• Cause of Sea Lions' Aggression: Aggressive and erratic behaviour is due to a neurotoxin called domoic acid.

o Domoic acid is released by toxic diatom algae Pseudo-nitzschia, which thrives under nutrient-rich ocean conditions.

o The toxin enters the marine food chain, affecting small fish and predators like sea lions that consume them.