Rj LaMendola found peace while paddling on his surfboard in the water for two decades.
However, last month off the coast of Southern California, the ocean became hostile when a sea lion attacked him, bit him, and pulled him off his board.
In a Facebook post, Mr LaMendola described the sea lion as “feral, almost demonic,” indicating that it appeared possessed during the encounter just north of Los Angeles.
The sea lion involved in the incident was later identified as suffering from domoic acid toxicosis, a neurological condition caused by harmful algal blooms. Numerous sickened animals with symptoms like seizures and extreme lethargy have been observed along California beaches recently, with many facing potential death due to the toxin.
This specific algae bloom has now occurred four years in a row across California, sparking concerns that it could become an annual occurrence. The bloom began earlier than usual this year and has spread approximately 370 miles along the iconic Southern California coastline.
After reaching shore with his wetsuit torn and bleeding, Mr LaMendola went to the hospital, feeling like he was being hunted.
Meanwhile, further south, 15-year-old Phoebe Beltran was bitten multiple times by a sea lion while undergoing a swim test in Long Beach to become a lifeguard.
These consecutive attacks have drawn global attention and caused anxiety among California residents and beachgoers. Although such attacks are rare, experts note an increase in the number of animals affected by the toxic algae bloom.
John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, which is caring for sickened sea life, explained that these animals are not naturally aggressive but their behavior is impacted by the toxins.
He clarified, “These animals are reacting to being sick. They are disoriented, likely experiencing seizures, and acting out of fear due to their compromised senses.”
Domoic acid accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies, which are then consumed in large quantities by marine predators such as dolphins, seals, and sea lions, resulting in illness.
Exposure to the acid causes severe neurological issues in sea lions, including seizures, disorientation, and a distinctive head-tilting behavior known as “stargazing.”
While some animals become lethargic or fall into a comatose state, others may exhibit aggressive behavior.
Mr Warner mentioned, “Their behavior shifts from the norm to something more unpredictable, but in this bloom, we see them mainly in a comatose state due to the toxin.”
The Marine Mammal Care Center is currently overwhelmed by the high number and severity of sick animals.
According to Mr Warner, the center has admitted at least 195 sea lions from February 20 to the end of March, exceeding the 50 animals admitted during the same period last year.
Treatment options for sick sea lions include anti-seizure medications, sedation, tube feeding, hydration, but the pace of recovery has been slower this year.
Recovery progresses from a comatose state to disorientation, then possibly aggressive behavior due to lingering neurological effects.
Due to their size and potential aggression, housing sick sea lions becomes challenging, with a risk of permanent brain damage leading to humane euthanasia if normalization does not occur.
Beachgoers are advised to stay at least 50 feet away from stranded animals and avoid intervening.
Mr Warner emphasized, “While these animals are charismatic and enjoyable to observe, they are wild and may act unpredictably, especially under these circumstances.”