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DFG News Release: For Immediate Release
May 22, 2003
Return of Domoic Acid Could Result in High Mortality Rates of Marine Life
Contacts: Carrie Wilson, DFG Marine Region, (831) 649-7191: Chamois Andersen, DFG Information Officer, (916) 657-4132; Ken August, California Department Health Services
(916) 657-3064
A naturally occurring marine toxin called "domoic acid" has returned to the state's marine environment and could once again be the cause of death of marine mammals and seabirds washing ashore in southern and central California.
In April, an algal bloom was documented in ocean waters off the southern California coast. Since then, approximately five common dolphins and 148 California sea lions have been found stranded on beaches from Santa Barbara County south through Orange County. All of the dolphins died shortly after beaching themselves. Many of the sea lions, most of them large adult pregnant females, are currently being treated at local marine mammal rehabilitation centers.
In addition, approximately 56 pelicans were brought in for care at the International Bird Rescue Center in San Pedro, where researchers reported that half were released after receiving intensive therapy.
With the return of domoic acid, scientists anticipate another year of high mortality rates. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is asking the public to assist in recovery efforts by reporting any sick or dead animals found to wildlife care services and coordinators (see detailed phone numbers and locations list below).
"People see these animals and birds on the beach and really want to help," said Kristine Barsky, a DFG marine biologist in Ventura. "What they forget is that they're wild animals with sharp teeth and claws who are seriously ill. What we need people to do is keep their children and pets away from these animals and immediately call the experts."
DFG recommends that people provide specific instructions about where the animal is located such as a distinct landmark or the nearest street. "Under no circumstances should you try and move these animals back into the ocean," Barsky said. "They've beached themselves because they no longer have the strength to keep afloat."
Marine animals and seabirds can be poisoned by domoic acid by eating small fishes containing the toxin. Domoic acid is a nerve toxin produced by a particular species of microscopic algae. Filter feeding animals such as mussels and small finfish like sardines feed on the algae and concentrate the toxin. Scientists believe last year's record high level of the toxin found in anchovies and sardines was the cause of death or illness in the marine animals discovered last year.
Last year more than 1,000 marine mammals - a record number that included dolphins and sea lions - were found stranded or dead on the state's beaches. Hundreds of seabirds, including endangered brown pelicans, grebes and loons were also affected by last year's outbreak.
Domoic acid can also cause severe human illness or death, if ingested in large quantities. However, according to the California Department of Health Services (CDHS), to date there have been no reported cases of human poisoning from domoic acid in California.
Each year, CDHS warns the public about any risk in consuming sport-harvested mussels or shellfish affected by marine biotoxins such as domoic acid. Over the last decade, CDHS has issued an Annual Mussel Quarantine, which typically occurs from May 1 through Oct. 31.
This year's quarantine in effect includes all species of mussels taken by the public anywhere along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries.
In addition to the mussel quarantine, consumers are advised to eat only the white meat of sport-harvested, bivalve (two-shelled) clams or scallops, and remove and discard the dark-colored organs, or viscera, before cooking. CDHS has also detected elevated levels of domoic acid in mussels, oysters, sardines and anchovies from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Other species of bivalve shellfish such as scallops have not been tested but could also contain dangerous levels of this toxin.
DFG's marine biologists assist CDHS by collecting samples of anchovies and sardines from local fishermen. They also provide information to CDHS researchers on what they've observed on the state's beaches. CDHS' monitoring program includes testing for paralytic shellfish poisoning as well as domoic acid. CDHS relies heavily on a network of volunteers who gather ocean water samples throughout the year.
________________________________________________________________________
To report the finding of a sick marine animal in the Santa Barbara area, call (805) 966-9005 for seabirds, or (805) 687-3255 for marine mammal care. To report animals found dead, call Stranding Coordinator Joe Cordaro, with the National Marine Fisheries Service at (562) 980-4017. In Ventura County, for all sick or deceased marine animals, call animal care services at (805) 388-4341.
In the Los Angeles area, for all sick or deceased marine animals call the Los Angeles Dept. of Animal Services at (888) 452-7381, or the county at (310) 523-9466. Both departments will provide information on local animal care offices. Other contacts include Wild Rescue (310) 317-1021, and in Orange County, Pacific Wildlife at (949) 831-1178.
In the San Diego area, call Wildlife Assist (858) 278-2222 for sick seabirds, and for marine mammals, call SeaWorld at 1-800-541-SEAL. For deceased animals, call Stranding Coordinator Joe Cordaro, with the National Marine Fisheries Service at (562) 980-4017.
To report the finding of a stranded sea otter, call Michael Harris with DFG's Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center at (805) 772-1135.
For more information on the CDHS volunteer monitoring programs for shellfish and phytoplankton, call (510) 540-3423. For information on marine biotoxin related quarantines, call the CDHS toll free number at (800) 553-4133.
May 22, 2003
Return of Domoic Acid Could Result in High Mortality Rates of Marine Life
Contacts: Carrie Wilson, DFG Marine Region, (831) 649-7191: Chamois Andersen, DFG Information Officer, (916) 657-4132; Ken August, California Department Health Services
(916) 657-3064
A naturally occurring marine toxin called "domoic acid" has returned to the state's marine environment and could once again be the cause of death of marine mammals and seabirds washing ashore in southern and central California.
In April, an algal bloom was documented in ocean waters off the southern California coast. Since then, approximately five common dolphins and 148 California sea lions have been found stranded on beaches from Santa Barbara County south through Orange County. All of the dolphins died shortly after beaching themselves. Many of the sea lions, most of them large adult pregnant females, are currently being treated at local marine mammal rehabilitation centers.
In addition, approximately 56 pelicans were brought in for care at the International Bird Rescue Center in San Pedro, where researchers reported that half were released after receiving intensive therapy.
With the return of domoic acid, scientists anticipate another year of high mortality rates. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is asking the public to assist in recovery efforts by reporting any sick or dead animals found to wildlife care services and coordinators (see detailed phone numbers and locations list below).
"People see these animals and birds on the beach and really want to help," said Kristine Barsky, a DFG marine biologist in Ventura. "What they forget is that they're wild animals with sharp teeth and claws who are seriously ill. What we need people to do is keep their children and pets away from these animals and immediately call the experts."
DFG recommends that people provide specific instructions about where the animal is located such as a distinct landmark or the nearest street. "Under no circumstances should you try and move these animals back into the ocean," Barsky said. "They've beached themselves because they no longer have the strength to keep afloat."
Marine animals and seabirds can be poisoned by domoic acid by eating small fishes containing the toxin. Domoic acid is a nerve toxin produced by a particular species of microscopic algae. Filter feeding animals such as mussels and small finfish like sardines feed on the algae and concentrate the toxin. Scientists believe last year's record high level of the toxin found in anchovies and sardines was the cause of death or illness in the marine animals discovered last year.
Last year more than 1,000 marine mammals - a record number that included dolphins and sea lions - were found stranded or dead on the state's beaches. Hundreds of seabirds, including endangered brown pelicans, grebes and loons were also affected by last year's outbreak.
Domoic acid can also cause severe human illness or death, if ingested in large quantities. However, according to the California Department of Health Services (CDHS), to date there have been no reported cases of human poisoning from domoic acid in California.
Each year, CDHS warns the public about any risk in consuming sport-harvested mussels or shellfish affected by marine biotoxins such as domoic acid. Over the last decade, CDHS has issued an Annual Mussel Quarantine, which typically occurs from May 1 through Oct. 31.
This year's quarantine in effect includes all species of mussels taken by the public anywhere along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries.
In addition to the mussel quarantine, consumers are advised to eat only the white meat of sport-harvested, bivalve (two-shelled) clams or scallops, and remove and discard the dark-colored organs, or viscera, before cooking. CDHS has also detected elevated levels of domoic acid in mussels, oysters, sardines and anchovies from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Other species of bivalve shellfish such as scallops have not been tested but could also contain dangerous levels of this toxin.
DFG's marine biologists assist CDHS by collecting samples of anchovies and sardines from local fishermen. They also provide information to CDHS researchers on what they've observed on the state's beaches. CDHS' monitoring program includes testing for paralytic shellfish poisoning as well as domoic acid. CDHS relies heavily on a network of volunteers who gather ocean water samples throughout the year.
________________________________________________________________________
To report the finding of a sick marine animal in the Santa Barbara area, call (805) 966-9005 for seabirds, or (805) 687-3255 for marine mammal care. To report animals found dead, call Stranding Coordinator Joe Cordaro, with the National Marine Fisheries Service at (562) 980-4017. In Ventura County, for all sick or deceased marine animals, call animal care services at (805) 388-4341.
In the Los Angeles area, for all sick or deceased marine animals call the Los Angeles Dept. of Animal Services at (888) 452-7381, or the county at (310) 523-9466. Both departments will provide information on local animal care offices. Other contacts include Wild Rescue (310) 317-1021, and in Orange County, Pacific Wildlife at (949) 831-1178.
In the San Diego area, call Wildlife Assist (858) 278-2222 for sick seabirds, and for marine mammals, call SeaWorld at 1-800-541-SEAL. For deceased animals, call Stranding Coordinator Joe Cordaro, with the National Marine Fisheries Service at (562) 980-4017.
To report the finding of a stranded sea otter, call Michael Harris with DFG's Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center at (805) 772-1135.
For more information on the CDHS volunteer monitoring programs for shellfish and phytoplankton, call (510) 540-3423. For information on marine biotoxin related quarantines, call the CDHS toll free number at (800) 553-4133.
