When sea lions consume fish laced with domoic acid, the consequences can be devastating. The toxin targets the brain, specifically the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.

The impacted sea lions are also fed domoic acid-free fish and are given anti-seizure medications used in humans, if they exhibit similar symptoms.

The sea lion was suffering from severe domoic acid, which is caused by an unprecedented toxic algae bloom in the area that affects the animals’ brains, causing them to be more aggressive ...

CARLSBAD, Calif. — An ill sea lion with signs of domoic acid poisoning was rescued off a bike lane in Carlsbad, the city's police department said in a Facebook post, Friday night.

The sea lion was suffering from severe domoic acid, which is caused by an unprecedented toxic algae bloom in the area that affects the animals’ brains, causing them to be more aggressive ...

A sick California sea lion with possible domoic acid poisoning is rescued in Santa Barbara, Calif. David Swanson/AFP/Getty "These animals are reacting to the fact that they are sick," Warner said.

Sea lion showing signs of domoic acid poisoning rescued in Carlsbad Once they arrived at the scene the SeaWorld Rescue team suspected that the sea lion was suffering from domoic acid poisoning ...

A stranded California sea lion suffering from suspected domoic acid poisoning cranes its head on the beach, before being rescued on March 27, 2025 in Oxnard, California.

A stranded sea lion suffering from suspected domoic acid poisoning cranes its head on the beach, before being rescued by CIMWI (Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute) volunteers, on March 27 ...

The cause is less demonic and more likely domoic acid toxicosis caused by toxic algal bloom, often referred to as red tide, experts say. “The sea lions are coming in almost comatose by the time ...