Sunday, April 13News That Matters

Tag: California

Toxic Algal Bloom Turns California Sea Lions Aggressive

Toxic Algal Bloom Turns California Sea Lions Aggressive

Breaking News, Climate Actions
California, April 2025: A disturbing wave of aggression by sea lions along California’s coast has left beachgoers alarmed. The animals, usually playful and calm, have begun attacking humans a behaviour scientists describe as both unprecedented and “demonic”. At the heart of this troubling transformation is a toxic algal bloom off the southern Californian coast. The algae, Pseudo-nitzschia, produces domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin that has infiltrated the marine food chain. Small fish consume the algae, and larger predators like sea lions feed on them, unknowingly ingesting the toxin. The result has been devastating: hundreds of sea lions lying sick along the coast, suffering from muscle spasms, confusion, and extreme aggression. Some have bitten surfers and beach visitors. While no ...
Algal Bloom Turns Sea Lions Behind Surge in Aggressive Attacks on California Coast

Algal Bloom Turns Sea Lions Behind Surge in Aggressive Attacks on California Coast

Breaking News, Climate Actions
A mysterious and disturbing shift is unfolding along California’s scenic coastline, where usually playful sea lions are turning violent lunging at beachgoers, biting surfers, and displaying what experts are calling "demonic" behaviour. The cause? A toxic algal bloom that’s wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems and warping the minds of sea lions. Weighing up to 300 kilograms, adult male sea lions are powerful marine mammals. Their sudden shift from friendly companions to unpredictable attackers has alarmed wildlife authorities, marine biologists, and locals alike. Though no fatalities have occurred, dozens of people have been bitten in recent weeks, and the danger continues to grow. But the aggression isn’t rooted in natural hostility. It’s heartbreakingly unnatural driven by a neurotox...
California Billion Dollar Fisheries Face Collapse as Ocean Heats Up climate change

California Billion Dollar Fisheries Face Collapse as Ocean Heats Up climate change

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
In a dire warning for California fishing industry according to study the state’s most valuable marine species are on the brink of collapse due to climate change. Rising ocean temperatures, acidification and habitat loss threaten Dungeness crab, Pacific herring and red abalone, endangering fisheries worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The study conducted by UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis, found that several key species could face severe declines by 2100, with some already in crisis: Dungeness crab – A $45 million industry at risk as warming waters disrupt their lifecycle. Red abalone – Once a $44 million recreational fishery, it has been shut down since 2018 due to ocean heatwaves. Pacific herring – Stocks in San Francisco Bay have collapsed by 75%, pushing fishers out of busin...