A minke whale swimming in Long Beach Harbor has died from domoic acid poisoning, a condition linked to a harmful algal bloom affecting marine life along the Southern California coast. The whale, which was found dead on April 3, had been in the harbor for several days, during which officials attempted to guide it back out to sea.
Michael Milstein, a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), confirmed that tests revealed high levels of domoic acid in the whale’s urine. This neurotoxin is produced by certain algae and accumulates in fish that are consumed by marine mammals like seals, sea lions, and dolphins. Milstein noted that this incident is consistent with a troubling trend seen over the past few years, as many marine mammals have been affected by this toxin.
The current algal bloom began in February, earlier than in previous years. Experts believe that the bloom was fueled by an upwelling of nutrient-rich water, which is further exacerbated by climate change and runoff from recent wildfires. So far, hundreds of sea lions and dolphins have shown signs of illness due to the toxin.
Domoic acid can cause severe neurological issues in marine animals, leading to symptoms like seizures and disorientation. While the situation is serious, Milstein reassured that it is unlikely to significantly impact the overall population of marine mammals along the West Coast. He emphasized the resilience of these species, which have shown strength in the face of such challenges.
Minke whales, the smallest members of the baleen whale family, can grow to over 26 feet long and weigh up to 14,000 pounds. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and there are approximately 900 minke whales along the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and California.
In a related case, a dead gray whale was also found washed ashore in Huntington Beach, with a necropsy underway to determine its cause of death. The rise in marine mammal deaths highlights the urgent need for monitoring and addressing the impacts of harmful algal blooms in the region.