Dolphin Strandings In OC Vex Scientists
Written by 991KBU on February 27, 2019
Marine biologists report there seems to be an increase in dolphin strandings along the Orange County coast.
At least 8 dolphins have beached themselves this February … according to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
Remains have been medically examined to seek a cause of the strandings.
A veterinarian tells the Associated Press that it could be a variety of potential reasons, including viral infections, bacterial infections and toxins.
It could be blooms of the ocean algae that produce domoic acid … which is toxic for marine mammals, seabirds and humans when ingested.
Heavy winter rains that can cause or worsen strandings … by flushing excess nutrients and harmful toxins from land into the oceans, the center said.
