California Sea Lions
Project by: Kaung Yang , Fnu (Sophia) Yunanda , Akayi Thein and Dr. Shari Bookstaff
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Endangered CA Sea Lions
California sea lions are now facing an unusual mortality event (UME) driven by malnutrition, domoic acid toxicosis, leptospirosis and entanglement in debris.
Malnutrition and domoic acid toxicosis
Starting in late 2014, starving sea lion pups began stranding along the California coast. Malnutrition of pups are mainly due to the lack of food sources for nursing mothers and domoic acid contaminated food. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin that primarily attacks the brain, causing lethargy, disorientation, seizures and if not treated, eventually, death. Domoic acid is produced by an algae, called Pseudo-nitzschia Australis, and highly accumulates in small fish feeding on them like sardines and anchovies, which are the hearty meals for sea lions.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by spiral shaped bacteria, Leptospira, which attack the kidney. As once the kidneys are severely damaged beyond repair, the infected animal will go into renal failure and mostly die. Despite the best efforts of veterinarians, two thirds of the sea lions arrived to the center die. Outbreaks of leptospirosis in California sea lions have occurred in 2011 and in 2008.
Entangled Sea Lions
Sea lions are curious and eager to investigate floating objects in the ocean. California sea lions entangled in nets, fishing line or packing straps are frequently observed. Entangled animals may eventually die from infection, strangulation or malnutrition without rescue.
