Red Tide Cited in Death, Illness of 20 Sea Otters
At least 20 dead or dying sea otters have washed up on San Luis Obispo County beaches so far this month, probably because of a toxic red tide that can produce domoic acid poisoning.
The sick or dead mammals have been plucked off beaches from Hazard Canyon to the Cayucos Pier. Last April, a record 48 stranded southern otters were found through the entire California range, from Point Conception to Pescadero in San Mateo County.
Carcasses of otters are immediately shipped to the state Fish and Game Department’s Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center in Santa Cruz to determine the cause of death.
Domoic acid poisoning is suspected, said Andy Johnson, director of the facility’s sea otter program. Last month, state tests of ocean water samples detected a domoic bloom in that area.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
