Toxic Algae Sickens Seabirds In OC: What To Know

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — A surge of seabirds sickened by toxic algae was reported by the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach this week.

Currently, the center is experiencing a "high number" of sick seabirds, including seven brown pelicans, three Brandt's cormorants, one double-crested cormorant, one common loon and three pacific loons.

According to WWCC Executive Director Debbie McGuire, an algae called Pseudo-nitzschia is at fault. The algae produces a kainic acid-type neurotoxin known as domoic acid.

"At first, domoic acid builds up in prey animals, like shellfish, sardines and anchovies — then, DA moves up the food chain as predators hunt and eat." McGuire said.

In small concentrations, domoic acid rarely poses a problem.

"However, when there are times of rapid onset algae blooms, the levels of DA skyrocket to dangerous levels," McGuire said. "The current increase bloom is likely a result of the toxic ash washed into our oceans from the Southern California fires."

In people, ingestion of domoic acid leads to amnesic shellfish poisoning — but in birds, domoic acid can cause imbalance, difficulty with walking and flying, and seizures.

Residents who come into contact with a beached marine mammal or distressed bird were urged to make no attempts to rescue the animal and, instead, call a wildlife hotline to assist.

Hotlines for beached marine mammals:

West Coast Region Stranding Hotline: 866-767-6114.

Orange County: Pacific Marine Mammal Center – 949-494-3050

Los Angeles County: Marine Mammal Center – 800-39-WHALE (800-399-4253)

Los Angeles County: California Wildlife Center – 310-458-9453, Press Option 1

Hotlines for distressed birds:

Orange County: Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center – 714-374-5587

Los Angeles County: International Bird Rescue – 310-514-2573

Los Angeles County: California Wildlife Center – 310-458-9453

Orange County: Local Animal Control may be able to assist as well with birds.