Sealions and algal blooms

• A recent outbreak of algae bloom – commonly known as red tide – has sickened and killed an unknown number of sea lions and dolphins in California.

ABOUT SEA-LION

• It is a marine mammal that belongs to the family Otariidae.
• These are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending a significant amount of time both on land and in the water.
• They have a streamlined body with a large head and a long, flexible neck.
• They inhabit rocky shorelines, islands, and sandy beaches.
• Globally, they can be found in various regions, including the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
• Sea lions are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, such as herring, anchovies, sardines, and squid.
• Currently, there are six subspecies of sea lions: Australian sea lions, California sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, New Zealand sea lions, South American sea lions, and Steller sea lions.
• Threats- Introduced species, such as dogs, carry diseases that can spread to sea lions. They are vulnerable to the effects of climate change on ocean currents, which impacts their fish prey abundance. They are also victims of bycatch in fisheries.

ABOUT ALGAL BLOOMS

• An algal bloom is the rapid increase of the algae population in aquatic ecosystems, both in fresh and marine waters, where it is known as either water bloom or marine bloom, respectively.
• They thrive where there is an abundance of two nutrients; phosphorus and nitrogen, usually caused by runoff of nutrients (animal waste, fertilizers, sewage) from the land.
• It causes the production of a neurotoxin called domoic acid.
• The colors range from green, red, brown, and yellow. The major types of algal blooms are cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and red tides (red algal blooms).
• Algal bloom are among the most common forms of eutrophication, which depletes the supply of oxygen, leading to the death of animal life.