Algae Killing Birds, Sealife in California

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/tech/2007/apr/27/042709061.html

A bloom of ocean algae that produces a toxic acid has sickened and killed hundreds of birds, sea lions and dolphins in California, environmentalists said.

Birds and animals have been washing up on shores from San Diego to San Francisco Bay.

In the past week, 40 birds have been taken to the International Bird Rescue Center in San Pedro with symptoms of domoic acid poisoning, which attacks the brain and can cause seizures.

In previous seasons, the center might see seven birds a week, director Jay Holcomb said.

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[NNadir]

1. Let's run out there with biodiesel harvesting machinery!

The sea lions have blubber that can easily be rendered to make wonderful B-100.

What a great opportunity to fuel California cars and trucks! Call Governor Hydrogen Hummer!!! He'll get right on it.

[kestrel91316]

2. The local NPR station talked about this again this AM, and AS USUAL

completely neglected to discuss the underlying cause of the algal bloom. They act like it's just some random thing that happens for no known reason.....

Ocean pollution isn't even on anybody's radar here.

[Eugene]

3. More marine animals sickened by acid - AP

Source: Associated Press

More marine animals sickened by acid

Sun Apr 29, 6:08 AM ET

LOS ANGELES - Rescuers worked Saturday to save more dead and
dying dolphins and sea lions that have washed up on Southern
California beaches, believed poisoned by a naturally occurring toxic
acid.

A bloom of ocean algae that produces domoic acid may be responsible
for killing or sickening dozens of the sea mammals, including birds, in
recent weeks, environmentalists said.

On Friday state health officials warned consumers against eating
certain locally harvested shellfish and seafood because they may be
contaminated with the acid.

-snip-

The algae population goes through an annual increase as ocean
waters warm, but biologists say this year's bloom is especially early
and extensive.

A similar outbreak in 2002 and 2003 sickened or killed more than a
thousand sea lions and 50 dolphins.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070429/ap_on_sc/deadly_acid