More than double the usual number of sick sea lions have been washing up on California's shores this year, overwhelming rescue teams as a toxic algae bloom spreads along the West Coast. At the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, staff have treated over 150 sea lions since the start of the year, all suffering from domoic acid poisoning. This neurotoxin is produced by harmful algal blooms—natural but dangerous outbreaks of algae that multiply through the marine food chain when forage fish eat the algae, which are then eaten by larger animals like sea lions. Domoic acid can cause brain lesions and lead to symptoms like lethargy, muscle twitching, and seizures in affected animals. Recently, a sea lion found at Crissy Field in San Francisco died from exposure after exhibiting unsteady movements. State agencies monitor these strandings to track the spread of the algae, and public health officials continue testing local seafood throughout the year, increasing sampling efforts when risks rise. People are warned not to consume contaminated seafood, as it can cause serious illness or even death in humans. Environmental scientists suggest that current climate conditions are intensifying the algal bloom. Dan Costa, a distinguished professor of ecology at UC Santa Cruz, explains that the El Niño weather pattern has caused ocean temperatures to rise, creating favorable conditions for the harmful algae. Warmer waters are also pushing sea lions northward in search of food, leaving their young behind in traditional breeding areas. This shift has left many nursing pups vulnerable and starving on the beaches. Costa added that the crisis highlights broader environmental issues, urging people to reduce pollutants entering the ocean. The surge in sick sea lions has placed immense pressure on rescue operations. At the Sausalito center, staff report a dramatic increase in daily calls—now between 300 to 600 per day, compared to 60 to 100 last year. Transporting a single adult sea lion, which can weigh up to 300 pounds, requires four to six people, forcing teams to prioritize calls based on urgency and resources. While veterinary teams use anti-seizure drugs and fluids to treat affected animals, many arrive too ill to recover. Despite the challenges, teams continue their work, recently releasing three rehabilitated sea lions back into the wild. For those involved, the crisis serves as a critical sign of changing ocean health and the potential impacts on human populations as well.