Southern California is currently facing one of the worst marine ecological crises in recent history. A massive algal bloom stretching from San Diego to Santa Barbara is poisoning ocean waters, leading to an alarming rise in dolphin and sea lion strandings along the coast. Marine life experts and local lifeguards warn that this event, fueled by domoic acid-producing algae, is the most severe they’ve ever encountered.
Spike in Dolphin Strandings Alarms Lifeguards and Scientists
Veteran lifeguard Spencer Parker, with over two decades of experience in Los Angeles County, shared his shock:
“In over 20 years, I’d only seen dolphins come ashore twice. Now it’s happened four times in just two weeks.”
Many L.A. County lifeguards are taking mental health days to cope with the emotional trauma of watching helplessly as poisoned marine animals suffer and die. The toxic algal bloom is creating a marine emergency that’s overwhelming even seasoned professionals.
What is Causing the Toxic Algal Bloom in California?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the first signs of the bloom near Malibu in late February 2025. Experts believe stormwater runoff, potentially exacerbated by the January firestorms, could have worsened the outbreak. The bloom thrives in warm, nutrient-rich waters—especially those containing phosphorus and nitrogen—and leads to oxygen depletion and marine food chain disruption.
This specific bloom is producing domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies. Predators such as dolphins and sea lions, after consuming these fish in large quantities, become severely ill or die from domoic acid poisoning.
Horrific Effects of Domoic Acid on Marine Animals
Animals exposed to domoic acid may:
- Experience violent seizures
- Display a behavior called “stargazing” (craning their heads unnaturally)
- Fall into comas or die suddenly
- Act aggressively or erratically, even attacking humans
In one tragic case in March, a sea lion attacked a surfer in Ventura County—a rare and terrifying consequence of this neurological poisoning.
2025: The Worst Year for Algae Blooms in California
Although harmful algal blooms (HABs) occurred in 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024, experts say 2025 is the worst year so far.
“The animals are arriving in horrendous shape,” said John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro.
Since January 1st, MMCC has treated 385 poisoned animals, mostly sea lions, surpassing its annual capacity of 300. This doesn’t include over 200 stranded dolphins, many of which die before they can be rescued.
The Mental and Emotional Toll on First Responders
Along Southern California’s coastline, lifeguards are often the first to discover stranded marine animals. Warner reports some lifeguards are “breaking down crying on the beach,” overwhelmed by the frequency and severity of these encounters.
“They don’t have the resources or training to respond to this kind of marine crisis,” Warner added.
Climate Change and Algal Blooms: A Dire Connection
While algal blooms naturally occur every three to seven years, their increasing frequency and intensity are linked to climate change, according to marine scientists.
“This is the end of the debate about whether climate change is real,” said Warner. “There is no other explanation.”
Tens of thousands of marine animals and seabirds have already been affected in 2025. Concerns now focus on whether a group of humpback whales feeding near the Channel Islands—in the bloom’s hotspot—will become the next victims.