Sea lion deaths linked to severe brain damage caused by toxic algae bloom

Sea lions on US west coast beaches that ingest domoic acid may face neurological problems that impair behavior and survival abilities, new study finds

The mystery of why sea lions have been stranding in droves on US west coast beaches in recent years is closer to being solved.

A new study suggests that sea lions have been eating crabs and small fish laced with the algal toxin domoic acid, which causes chronic seizures and brain damage, impairing the animals' ability to navigate, eat and generally survive in the ocean.