Southern California’s Toxic Algal Bloom & What Surfers Need to Know

While Southern California surfers were stoked on great swell recently — sea lions and dolphins were less stoked on what the ocean was bringing —- a surplus of toxic algae.

Algal blooms like the one Southern California is currently experiencing have happened in past years— but never this bad. 

What is this Toxic Algae, and Why Is It in Southern California?

Since late February, an appearance of toxic algae has been threatening marine animals off California’s coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. 

But what is this algae and what is it doing here?

If we're getting fancy, the algae itself is called Pseudo-nitzschia, but what it produces—and what we're all worried about— is domoic acid. It’s this neurotoxin specifically that's been poisoning marine life. 

California’s southern coast has seen blooming events similar to this one for the last four years, but this is the earliest it’s come– and the deadliest it’s been. 

So far, this toxic algae has infected hundreds of marine animals—dolphins, sea lions, sea birds, and whales—leaving Southern California beaches looking like marine mammal graveyards. 

These record breaking numbers of beached animals have had the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network receiving hundreds of calls a day from concerned beach goers reporting stranded sea lions and dolphins.  

While sadly many of the algae-poisoned animals have not made it, others—including many sea lions— have been rehabilitated and released by NOAA’s Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center as well as by other conservation efforts. 

Other sea lions have become mentally sick from poisoning— experiencing brain altering effects that are reflected by unusually violent and feral behavior. This has been observed by ocean goers, and there has even been a sea lion attack on a surfer in Ventura, a very out of character action for these animals. 

What causes these algae blooms in Southern California? 

Algal blooms like this domoic acid event are naturally occurring processes— though human influence is increasing their frequency and power. 

A major culprit is wastewater runoff— when human wastewater flows into the ocean, it increases the nitrogen and phosphorus levels which allows these blooms to thrive.  

The combination of this wastewater with upwellings– cold nutrient dense water rising from the deep ocean— creates an ideal breeding ground for these blooms. 

Warmer water temperatures also fuel these algal villains, meaning as climate change increasingly leads to higher ocean temperatures, scientists expect to see more of these blooms. 

What Should Surfers Do About the Algae Blooms?

1. Report Stranded Animals–-  If you come across a visibly unwell animal, take the (very simple) steps to report it to those dedicated to protecting it. Remain at least 100 yards away, keep pets at that distance, and minimize disturbances for the animal. This is not your time to play veterinarian—- leave it to the experts.

To report a stranded animal call NOAA’s stranding hotline: 1-866-767-6114 

2. Check Water Quality—While this is a good habit to be in as a Southern California surfer regardless of whether there is a poisonous algal bloom— it is more important than ever that you check the water quality during these times before you paddle out. Use this map to investigate the state of the water before heading into the lineup.  

3. Support Mitigation and Research— There are several organisations and a plethora of researchers dedicated to reducing the damages of these blooms through mitigating harmful runoff and protecting affected ocean animals. Learn about the Southern California Coastal Water Project, Neo Water Treatment and NOAA, and their fight against water pollution and mission to rescue marine life!

Conclusion

It’s hard to say when these algal blooms will come to an end, but surfers should be sure to keep themselves in the loop and report stranded or unwell animals.