Oxnard Surfer Hospitalized After Sea Lion Attack Linked to Toxic Algae

Oxnard surfer RJ LaMendola experienced a terrifying encounter when he was attacked by a sea lion, which bit him through his wetsuit and dragged him from his board while he was surfing about 150 yards offshore. LaMendola described the sea lion as acting with unusual aggression, which experts attribute to Domoic Acid Toxicosis linked to toxic algae blooms in the area, known to cause erratic behavior in marine life. During the attack, LaMendola frantically paddled to shore while the sea lion charged him multiple times, ultimately biting him on the left buttock and forcing him to seek medical attention. He expressed that the experience was the most traumatic of his surfing career, noting the feral and predatory demeanor of the sea lion, contrasting sharply with the typically playful nature of the species. The incident underscores concerns about the health of marine ecosystems impacted by toxic algae, which have led to increased aggression in affected animals. Sea lion bites are rare, making this encounter particularly shocking and highlighting the need for awareness of environmental changes affecting wildlife behavior.