Thursday May 8, 2025
NBC Los Angeles —
With an unusually high number of disoriented marine mammals sickened by a toxic algae bloom being found along Southern California’s coast, the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro will be getting more funding, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Tuesday.
The nonprofit will received $100,000 for medical services it provides while rescuing and treating dozens of sick seal lions this year, with an additional $600,000 possible.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who authored the motion to boost funding for the Marine Mammal Care Center with Supervisor Janice Hahn, said this year has been worse than 2023.
John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, also told NBC Los Angeles that 2025 may be the deadliest year yet as an algae bloom appears to be more intense and widespread this year.
During an algae bloom, a neurological toxin called domoic acid sickens sea lions and elephant seals, causing them to strand with seizures or lethargy.