Wildlife and ocean experts have identified domoic acid as the cause of death for at least two whales recently, including the Long Beach minke that attracted onlookers for days while it remained in the port’s Rainbow Harbor.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center reports that the current domoic acid outbreak is linked to one of the largest harmful algae blooms along the Southern California coast. Necropsies conducted by the center and the Ocean Animal Response & Research Alliance confirmed the cause of death for four whales that were stranded along beaches in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
If you see an injured or dead animal at or near the beach, don’t touch it or try to help. Instead, call the West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114 to report it, trained professionals will take it from there.