𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗘? Field Biologists Conduct Necropsy on Pygmy Sperm Whale & Sea Lion in Venice

On a rainy Friday, March 14, 2025, field biologists from The Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance (OARRA), with assistance from volunteers, conducted two necropsies on Venice Beach. The examinations, overseen by OARRA Founder and CEO Keith Matassa, were performed on a male Pygmy sperm whale and a male sea lion, with the team working from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. despite challenging weather conditions.

Necropsies, the animal equivalent of autopsies, are post-mortem examinations used to determine the cause of death and identify underlying medical conditions. These procedures provide crucial insights into marine health, environmental threats, and potential disease outbreaks affecting ocean life. The growing number of marine mammal mortalities along the Southern California coast has prompted increased research efforts by organizations like OARRA, which aim to uncover possible causes behind these fatalities and assess their impact on local ecosystems.

While the official results are still pending, researchers suspect that the sea lion may have been affected by domoic acid toxicosis, a condition linked to harmful algal blooms off the California coast. These blooms, triggered by the microscopic algae Pseudo-nitzschia australis, produce a neurotoxin that accumulates in small fish such as sardines and anchovies, a primary food source for sea lions. When consumed in large quantities, domoic acid may cause neurological and cardiac issues, including seizures and disorientation. However, further analysis is needed to confirm whether this condition played a role in the animal’s death.

The rise in toxic algal blooms has become a major concern for marine conservationists, as the frequency of sea lion strandings and marine mammal deaths continues to escalate. Scientists warn that these blooms may be exacerbated by rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and other environmental stressors. OARRA’s ongoing research and necropsy investigations play a critical role in identifying potential threats to marine life, as well as informing conservation strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of human activity on ocean ecosystems.

Founded in 2020, The Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance (OARRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to monitoring marine mammal populations, responding to stranded and deceased marine animals, and conducting research to better understand environmental changes affecting marine life. Through partnerships with state, national, and international researchers, OARRA works to consolidate data and provide a comprehensive view of the health of ocean animals and their habitats. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness, advocate for conservation, and inspire personal and global change to protect marine environments for future generations.

As marine mammal mortality rates increase, experts emphasize the importance of public awareness and scientific research in addressing this growing crisis. OARRA remains committed to expanding its response and research programs, ensuring that each marine animal’s death contributes to a broader understanding of ocean health and conservation efforts. The organization encourages the public to support their work by contributing to ongoing research and response initiatives. Donations to OARRA can be made at OARRA's official website to aid in their critical efforts.

⚠️ VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED ⚠️

This video contains graphic scientific content, including a full necropsy (animal autopsy) of a Pygmy sperm whale and a sea lion. The footage is presented solely for educational and research purposes as part of marine conservation efforts.

🔬 This content is not intended to shock or disturb viewers but to contribute to the scientific understanding of marine mammal health and environmental threats.

📢 If you are sensitive to medical or dissection footage, please proceed with caution or choose to exit the video.

𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘: Wildlife Team Rescues Ailing Sea Lion Amid Toxic Algae Crisis

Two sea lions in distress were rescued from Venice Beach on Friday, March 14, 2025, after being found along the shoreline exhibiting symptoms of illness. Personnel from the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) responded to the scene, securing the animals and transporting them for urgent treatment. A Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors employee assisted in loading one of the sick sea lions onto the rescue truck, ensuring its safe transport to MMCC’s rehabilitation facility. According to rescue personnel, the sea lions were likely suffering from domoic acid toxicosis, a condition caused by harmful algal blooms off the California coast. These blooms, triggered by the microscopic algae Pseudo-nitzschia australis, produce the neurotoxin domoic acid, which accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies—a primary food source for sea lions. When consumed in large quantities, this toxin attacks the brain and heart, leading to seizures, neurological impairment, and heart failure. If left untreated, domoic acid poisoning can result in permanent brain damage, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term neurological issues. While there is no direct cure, MMCC veterinarians employ supportive treatments to help affected sea lions recover. Because the toxin is water-soluble, hydration therapy is used to flush it from their system. The animals are also provided with fish that is free of domoic acid, while veterinarians administer anti-seizure medications, similar to those used for humans, to control symptoms. MMCC’s veterinary team is actively researching new therapies aimed at reducing brain inflammation and minimizing long-term damage. Recovery time varies based on the severity of exposure, but if treated early, the sea lions have a strong chance of rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild. Authorities have reported a sharp increase in sick and stranded sea lions along Los Angeles County’s coastline, raising concerns among marine conservationists and beachgoers. The public is urged to report any sightings of distressed marine mammals to MMCC’s hotline at 1-800-39-WHALE and to keep a safe distance of at least 50 feet from the animals. Experts warn that approaching, touching, or feeding affected sea lions can be dangerous, as the animals may be disoriented or aggressive due to neurological distress. Keeping pets leashed and notifying lifeguards about stranded marine life can also help ensure the safety of both the animals and the community. The increase in sea lion strandings highlights a growing environmental crisis affecting marine life along the West Coast. Toxic algal blooms are becoming more frequent, with domoic acid poisoning now considered a significant threat to California’s marine mammal population. MMCC continues to lead the response to this crisis, working year-round to rescue, rehabilitate, and release affected animals. Since its establishment in 1992, the center has cared for over 8,000 stranded marine mammals and remains one of the busiest marine mammal rehabilitation facilities in the country. The Venice Beach sea lion rescue serves as yet another reminder of the environmental challenges facing marine wildlife. As toxic algal blooms continue to impact coastal ecosystems, public awareness, conservation efforts, and support for rehabilitation programs like MMCC remain essential to protecting California’s vulnerable marine species.

𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗘: Army Corps Clears Fire-Damaged Homes Along PCH in Malibu

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continued Phase Two of the Palisades Fire recovery along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. Crews focused on clearing fire-damaged properties, removing hazardous ash, structural remains, and other debris to prepare sites for rebuilding.​ Earlier in the week, USACE installed K-rails—concrete barriers commonly known as Jersey barriers—along PCH to create safe work zones for contractors operating heavy equipment. These measures aim to protect workers and facilitate reconstruction efforts.​ Property owners are required to submit Right of Entry forms to authorize debris removal. USACE estimates that approximately 4.5 million tons of debris will be cleared in the coming months, ensuring environmental compliance and safe rebuilding conditions.​ Due to rain and potential mudslides, PCH was closed to residents on Wednesday. Strict access controls remain in place, with National Guard troops, Los Angeles Police Department officers, Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) personnel manning checkpoints. CHP officers are enforcing a temporary 25-mph speed limit to accommodate ongoing cleanup and reconstruction efforts.​ The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, rapidly expanded due to severe drought conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds reaching 100 mph. The wildfire scorched 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding areas. The fire resulted in 12 fatalities and multiple injuries before being fully contained on January 31, 2025.​ Recovery efforts remain ongoing as authorities work to rebuild and restore the affected communities.

𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗣: Santa Monica’s Coastal Canopy Gets a Trim

SANTA MONICA, CA – On Monday, March 10, 2025, United Pacific Services, Inc., a City of Santa Monica urban forestry contractor, conducted scheduled maintenance along Santa Monica Beach, focusing on the iconic palm trees that define the coastline. This routine upkeep is essential to ensure the health and safety of these towering trees, which are susceptible to the region's coastal winds and seasonal weather variations.​ Crews utilized high-reaching bucket trucks to meticulously prune overgrown fronds, thereby reducing potential hazards and enhancing the beachfront's visual appeal. This effort aligns with the city's ongoing commitment to preserving its urban forest while maintaining a safe and inviting environment for both visitors and residents.​ The freshly manicured palms continue to frame the Pacific Ocean, maintaining the signature scenic views of Santa Monica's coastline.​ In related news, maintenance crews recently removed a dead palm tree from Crescent Bay Park as part of routine upkeep. Additionally, the city is actively engaging the community in environmental initiatives, such as the Landback & Reparations Task Force, with applications open through March 21. ​ These combined efforts underscore Santa Monica's dedication to environmental stewardship and community involvement.

𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗼𝗳𝗳

SANTA MONICA – On a rainy Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025, Santa Monica Beach Maintenance crews were seen operating heavy machinery to remove wildfire debris and storm runoff remnants from the shoreline. Using a Cherrington Model 5500 Beach Cleaner and a John Deere tractor with a beach cleaner attachment, crews worked along the sand to sift out charred fragments and other material likely carried from burn areas by recent heavy rains.

The Cherrington Model 5500, a self-propelled beach cleaner, is designed to sift sand, removing cigarette butts, bottle caps, and small debris while collecting up to 1.5 cubic yards of material in its hopper. The machine is capable of cleaning up to six inches deep and is commonly used for municipal beach maintenance. Meanwhile, the John Deere tractor with a beach cleaner attachment helped level the sand and remove larger debris, ensuring the area remains safe and suitable for public use.

These cleanup efforts follow the devastation caused by the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, in Pacific Palisades and quickly spread due to extreme drought conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds reaching 100 mph. The wildfire scorched 23,448 acres, destroying 6,837 structures, including homes, businesses, and places of worship. Over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding communities were forced to evacuate. The fire resulted in 12 fatalities and multiple injuries before being fully contained on January 31, 2025.

Following the fire, strong winds and heavy rains washed wildfire remnants into local waterways, eventually depositing them onto beaches from Malibu to Santa Monica. Officials continue to monitor conditions as beach maintenance teams work to remove hazardous debris and ensure the coastline remains clean and safe for visitors.

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬-𝗗𝗨𝗧𝗬 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗣: 𝗟𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆’𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘀 𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗧𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁

LOS ANGELES — Keeping the coastline clean is no small task, but Los Angeles County’s fleet of heavy-duty beach tractors is up to the challenge. In the latest episode of Meet the Fleet, county officials gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the powerful machines responsible for maintaining some of Southern California’s most iconic beaches.

The featured vehicle, a Massey Ferguson agricultural tractor, isn’t plowing fields or harvesting crops—it's reshaping and sanitizing Venice Beach. At 9.5 feet long and weighing up to 14 tons, the machine is designed for stability in the sand, with water-filled tires and additional weights ensuring traction. The 6.6-liter diesel engine delivers 720 pound-feet of torque, giving it the muscle to tow up to 14 tons of equipment.

Darrell Ihrig., a power equipment operator with the County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors, explained that beach cleaning crews start their day as early as 5:00 a.m., working to clear debris and level sand along three miles of Venice Beach coastline before most visitors even arrive.

Equipped with multiple attachments, the tractor can tackle a range of tasks:

• The Beach Tech removes dry sand debris.
• The Barber Surf Rake picks up damp seaweed and mixed trash.
• The Scraper Box levels the beach and fills in holes to maintain a smooth, safe shoreline.

One of the fleet’s most essential tools is the beach sanitizer, an 8-foot-wide cleaning device capable of processing 7.5 acres per hour by sifting sand through multiple screen sizes to remove debris while returning clean sand to the shore. The county’s efforts result in 10,000 tons of trash removed annually, including a staggering 10 tons from Venice Beach alone during the Fourth of July weekend.

Crews also navigate safety challenges, ensuring their attachments—some stretching up to 17 feet wide—avoid hazards like beachgoers and curious children drawn to the massive machinery.

For the operators, the work is more than a job—it’s a passion. “This is my meditation,” said Ihrig, who goes by the nickname “Nate Dog.” “I love what I do, and I wouldn’t prefer anything else.”

With these high-powered machines on duty daily, Angelenos and visitors alike can continue to enjoy cleaner, safer beaches. LA County’s ‘Meet the Fleet’ series offers a glimpse into the hard work and innovation behind essential public services.

Sick Sea Lion Rescued from Santa Monica Beach Amid Surge in Marine Mammal Illnesses

Santa Monica Beach became the site of a marine rescue on Monday, March 10, 2025, as Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) personnel responded to reports of a 300-400 pound male sea lion displaying signs of illness. The animal was carefully secured and transported to MMCC for urgent treatment.

Rescue personnel confirmed that the sea lion was likely suffering from domoic acid toxicosis, a condition caused by toxic algal blooms off the California coast. These blooms are triggered by Pseudo-nitzschia australis, a type of algae that produces the neurotoxin domoic acid. This toxin accumulates in small fish such as sardines and anchovies, which are then consumed in large quantities by sea lions, leading to severe neurological and cardiac issues.

Understanding Domoic Acid Poisoning

Domoic acid attacks the brain and the heart, causing seizures, neurological impairment, and heart failure in marine mammals. If left untreated, the toxin can result in permanent brain damage, and repeated exposure can lead to longer-lasting and more serious effects.

While there is no direct cure for domoic acid poisoning, MMCC veterinarians employ supportive treatments to help affected animals recover. This includes:

• Flushing the toxin from their system with fluids
• Providing fish that is free of domoic acid
• Administering anti-seizure medications, similar to those used for humans
• Exploring new therapies to reduce brain inflammation and minimize long-term damage

“Since the toxin is water-soluble, we hydrate the animals as much as possible,” explained an MMCC rescuer on-site. “If we can get them into care before significant damage occurs, we have a good chance of helping them recover.”

Public Urged to Report Stranded Marine Mammals

Authorities have noted a significant increase in sick and stranded sea lions along Los Angeles County’s coastline. MMCC urges the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of distressed marine mammals by calling 1-800-39-WHALE.

To ensure safety for both wildlife and the public, MMCC has issued the following guidelines:

DO:

✅ Maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from marine mammals.

✅ Use a camera’s zoom function to take photographs.

✅ Keep pets leashed to prevent interactions with the animals.

✅ Call 1-800-39-WHALE or notify a lifeguard if a marine mammal appears distressed.

DON’T:

🚫 Approach, touch, or attempt to move the animal.

🚫 Try to feed the sea lion, as human food can be harmful.

🚫 Take selfies up close—use a zoom lens from a safe distance.

Coastal Alert: Surge in Sea Lion Strandings

Authorities have issued an urgent coastal alert following a sharp increase in sea lions found stranded along the Southern California coast. Toxic algal blooms have been affecting marine mammals in growing numbers, leading to widespread reports of disoriented and sick sea lions washing ashore.

MMCC continues to play a critical role in responding to this crisis, rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals suffering from domoic acid poisoning. The center, which has been operational since 1992, remains one of the busiest year-round marine mammal rehabilitation facilities in the nation.

The Santa Monica sea lion rescue serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges impacting marine life. With public awareness and swift action, conservation efforts can help ensure the health and survival of these vulnerable animals.