Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute
Southern California beaches are seeing wildlife tragically stranded and sick amid a harmful algal bloom (HAB). The bloom was first detected in San Diego in December 2024, and the situation has grown more dire in the months since. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this is the fourth straight year of algal blooms in the region and marine mammal care centers up and down the coast are seeing the impacts daily.
Beachgoers and surfers alike are often understandably concerned and alarmed when they come across beached animals. Just last week, the deaths of two whales in Southern California were confirmed to have been HAB-linked, for example. A week earlier, a seal cleared the lineup at Newport Beach’s Wedge by aggressively chasing every single surfer and bodyboarder in the water — behavior that is linked to domoic acid poisoning.
On Monday, Los Angeles-based Heal the Bay shared a useful, concise list of steps people should follow to “safely and humanely” respond to what’s become a common occurrence lately. First, it’s worth pointing out that they advise the public to stay away from the animals. It’s actually illegal to approach a marine mammal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Heal the Bay points out.
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“Animals affected by domoic acid poisoning are not stranding by accident, they are seriously ill or dying,” they wrote. “Pushing dolphins or whales back into the ocean causes more harm, as they often drown. Though heartbreaking, it’s crucial to give them space and dignity.”
Other points to remember, according to Heal the Bay, include:
- DO NOT APPROACH: Maintain a safe distance to avoid potential injury to you or the animal. Do NOT touch the animal.
- CONTACT AUTHORITIES: Report the sighting to local marine mammal rescue organizations or wildlife authorities.
- In the L.A. area, contact the Marine Mammal Care Center at (310) 548-5677
- FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: Provide accurate information about the animal’s location and condition, and follow any guidelines provided by authorities.
