Sea lions along the California coast are contracting a toxic illness at an alarming rate, exceeding the average number of annual cases researchers typically treat, experts warned. Scientists say the rise in sick marine mammals serves as a direct warning to humans about ocean safety and seafood co ntamination. California sea lions across the state are falling ill with domoic acid poisoning, also known as toxicosis. The naturally occurring neurotoxin accumulates in fish and shellfish that marine mammals consume. “This toxin is evolving in terms of its unpredictability,” said Giancarlo Rulli of the Marine Mammal Center. “This used to be a seasonal disease that we would see during the summer.” The toxin’s presence has stretched across multiple seasons, prompting ongoing research into why the outbreaks are expanding. So far this year, the Marine Mammal Center has rescued more than 100 sea lions, surpassing the center’s typical annual average of 75 to 90 rescues. Over a single week, teams responded to 30 rescues spanning every coastal county from Monterey to Sonoma. Researchers emphasize that marine mammal health directly reflects environmental conditions that impact human health. “They can tell us about our health too,” Rulli said. “So when we see these upticks in responses to sick sea lions it’s really a cue for us to reach out to the CA Department of Public Health so they can reach out and begin testing things like crabs, and things like mussels, and clams, and razor clams.” In response to the elevated toxin levels, the California Department of Public Health has advised the public not to eat sport-harvested mussels gathered along the state’s coast. State health officials also caution against eating razor clams in Humboldt County. Visitors along the coast expressed heightened concern upon learning about the risks. “Now knowing that it can affect me it does feel more urgent,” said visitor Joel Gonzales. The Marine Mammal Center advises beachgoers to watch for warning signs in sea lions, including lethargy, disorientation, tremors or twitches, and full or partial body seizures. If a sick animal is spotted, experts urge the public to maintain a distance of at least 150 feet, keep pets on leashes, and immediately report the sighting to the center. Maintaining a safe distance prevents scaring the animal back into the water, where rescuers cannot safely capture and treat it. ...read more read less