𝗗𝗢𝗭𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗣𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗦: Alarming Deaths Unfold on Venice Beach Shoreline

On Friday, March 28, 2025, Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors employees collected dozens of deceased seabirds—including pelicans, seagulls, and cormorants—from the shoreline of Venice Beach. The birds were gathered near the Lifeguard Headquarters and subsequently buried in the sand.​ While official necropsy results are pending, preliminary observations suggest that the birds may have succumbed to domoic acid toxicosis. This condition arises from harmful algal blooms off the California coast, particularly those involving the microscopic algae Pseudo-nitzschia australis. These blooms produce domoic acid, a neurotoxin that accumulates in small fish such as sardines and anchovies—the primary prey for pelicans and other seabirds. Ingesting high levels of this toxin can adversely affect the brain and heart, leading to seizures, neurological impairment, and heart failure in affected wildlife.​ Recent incidents along the Southern California coastline have raised concerns about the impact of domoic acid on marine life. According to a CBS News report, at least 20 birds taken to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center have died after being poisoned by domoic acid algae. The recurrence of such events underscores the ongoing environmental challenges posed by harmful algal blooms and their detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for public awareness and caution when encountering distressed or deceased wildlife along the coast.