LA County Boosts Funding for Marine Mammal Care Amid Toxic Algae Crisis

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved up to $700,000 in emergency funding for the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro in response to an unprecedented outbreak of toxic algae that has killed or sickened hundreds of sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, and even whales along Southern California’s coast. The crisis, driven by toxins such as domoic acid and saxitoxin from algae blooms likely exacerbated by climate change and environmental factors, has overwhelmed rescue efforts and depleted nonprofit resources. Officials noted that this year’s outbreak is worse than previous years, raising both environmental and public safety concerns, with beachgoers at risk and animal hospitals reaching capacity. The funding includes an immediate $100,000 disbursement and up to $600,000 from the upcoming fiscal year, with calls for broader city, county, state, and federal collaboration to address the crisis long-term. The Marine Mammal Care Center, which handles the vast majority of marine wildlife strandings in the county, has been strained by the surge in cases and now faces a critical funding gap. Public health warnings have also been issued regarding the consumption of non-commercial shellfish due to increased toxin levels.