A Dolphin World - Newsletter

LOS ANGELES „ A naturally occurring but deadly toxin produced by sea algae is killing record numbers of dolphins and sea lions along sections of California's southern coast, the state's wildlife agency said recently.

The animals are being poisoned by domoic acid, a nerve toxin produced by a certain species of microscopic algae, said the California Department of Fish and Game.

The exact cause is a mystery, but scientists speculate that the algae may be thriving on nutrients from agricultural runoff or sewage, said Chamois Anderson, a spokeswoman for the department. Weather patterns could also play a role.

Since April, five dolphins and 148 California sea lions have been found stranded on beaches from Santa Barbara County south through Orange County.

All of the dolphins died and many of the sea lions, most of them large adult pregnant females, are being treated at marine mammal rehabilitation centers. Pelicans have also been taken to shelters for care, the state agency said.

Marine animals and seabirds can be poisoned by eating small fish that have ingested the toxin. Filter-feeding animals like mussels and small fish like sardines feed on the toxin-laced algae.

Last year, according to the California wildlife agency, more than 1,000 marine mammals were found stranded or dead on state beaches. Hundreds of seabirds, including endangered brown pelicans, grebes, and loons, were also affected by that outbreak.

Domoic acid can cause human illness or even death, and the California Department of Health Services warns each year not to eat self-harvested mussels or shellfish between May 1 and Oct. 31.

The health agency also advises Californians to eat only the white meat of sport-harvested, bivalve clams or scallops and said elevated levels of domoic acid have been detected in mussels, oysters, sardines, and anchovies from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties. So far, there have been no reported cases of human poisoning from domoic acid in the state.

Officials said people should not try to help beached animals or birds because domoic acid poisoning can provoke aggressive behavior and the animals are too sick to go back in the water.

Twenty-eight pilot whales stranded themselves in shallow water off the Florida Keys. The whales were stuck in two separate groups about five miles north of Big Pine Key, which is 30 miles north of Key West.

About 50 rescuers are tending the surviving whales from the Coast Guard and other groups. Other survivors were moved into deeper water in hopes they would begin swimming on their own. Volunteers and veterinarians spending most of the day caring for the whales, leave the water at dusk, concerned about sharks. With some of the whales much sicker than others the volunteers must care for the whales like newborn babies. The stranded pods include adult males and females as well as calves. Some of the whales are as large as 17 feet long and weigh as much as several tons.

Six of the whales were able to swim freely in deep water about 6 miles off of Big Pine Key. An estimated 120 to 200 rescue workers every weekend hydrate the remaining creatures.

Pilot whales generally feed and travel in groups of five to 50 and are not considered endangered. At this point the researchers are still not sure why the whales stranded themselves off the Keys.

Here are some comments from the June 2003 Trip from Bimini. A great adventure for everyone.

still to speechless to detail our feelings about our trip too many memories over such a short time, every day something new comes back to us. it now all seems like a dream that just cant be detailed easily or perhaps like the memories of the morning after the night before when little things just keep exploding in your mind.
however can say that we had a fantastic time with terrific company and cant remember the last time i felt like a little child just before Christmas day, which was the feeling that overwhelmed me every time the cry of "DOLPHINS" was heard across the boat.
As for Tricia well what can i say, you both and in particular Christina have fulfilled both her biggest ambition and her deepest fear and for that we both will be eternally greatfull. We never believed that we would be snorkeling together never mind swimming with dolphins together for real. (and yes she was serious about great barrier reef !!)
The awesome emotional power of the dolphins certainly allowed her to overcome her fears and gave her a strength I don't think she even thought possible.

Tricia and Johnnie
London, England

(Click Here for more information on this trip)

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"Journey to the Dolphin Playgrounds, snorkel coral reefs and explore the backcountry of Key West." At Wild about Dolphins, you can experience the natural world of the wild dolphins of the Florida Keys. Don't worry about your towels, sunscreen, snorkel gear or drinks, just get your bathing suit and get down to Key West and see the dolphins as you have never seen them before as Captain Sheri Sullenger takes you to see the dolphins in their home.

To find out more about Captain Sheri's tour, please read this article on Tropical Adventure.com. If you are outdoor lover, this would be a great trip for you.

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July 2003 NEWSLETTER

FREE Dolphin World Calendar

Dolphin World Banners Place this on your personal or business website

T R O P I C A L - A D V E N T U R E Wild About Dolphins, Key West!

The Dolphin Web Cam by DuPonce Click Here during the day to see some incredible LIVE Dolphin images

Dolphin World Banners
Place this on your personal or business website

T R O P I C A L - A D V E N T U R E
Wild About Dolphins, Key West!

The Dolphin Web Cam
by DuPonce
Click Here during the day
to see some incredible LIVE Dolphin images