[1/5] A sick sea lion is marked with paint and left on a beach, unable to be rescued due to overcrowded facilities, as toxic algae is being blamed for causing sickness to sea lions and dolphins along the coast of Southern California, in Redondo Beach, California, U.S., June 23, 2023.
Experts say a recent outbreak of algae bloom - commonly known as red tide - has sickened and killed an unknown number of sea lions and dolphins.
Marine biologists are paying close attention because they consider sea lions a sentinel species - animals that can help identify environmental risks to humans.
The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute reported 1,000 sightings of sick and dead marine mammals from June 8 through 14.
Sea lions are a fixture on many California beaches, sunning on the shoreline, barking at each other, and sometimes looking for an easy meal from tourists.
Persons:
Mike Blake, John Warner, Warner, Omar Younis, Daniel Trotta, Lincoln
Organizations:
REUTERS, Mammal Care, Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute, Thomson
Locations:
Southern California, Redondo Beach , California, U.S, ANGELES, California, Los Angeles, San Pedro, Hermosa Beach