Recently, hundreds of sea lions are found dead or sick on California beaches due to toxic offshore algae blooms.
About Sealion:
It is a marine mammal that belongs to the family Otariidae.
These are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending a significant amount of time both on land and in the water.
Appearance:
They have a streamlined body with a large head and a long, flexible neck.
They typically have a brown or tan coat, and adult males develop a thick mane of hair around their necks.
Habitat:
They inhabit rocky shorelines, islands, and sandy beaches.
They can be found in various regions, including the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Diet: Sea lions are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, such as herring, anchovies, sardines, and squid.
Currently, there are six subspecies of sea lions: Australian sea lions, California sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, New Zealand sea lions, South American sea lions, and Steller sea lions.
What is an algal bloom?
It is a rapid and excessive growth of algae in aquatic environments.
It can occur in both freshwater and marine ecosystems and is typically caused by a combination of factors such as nutrient availability, temperature, light, and water conditions.
It causes the production of a neurotoxin called domoic acid.
These can also proliferate because of human causes such as climate change and an excess of nitrates washed out to sea.
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