Animal Rescue Organizations Battle Massive Algae Bloom

Birds awaiting transport
Credit IBRRC

Animal rescue organizations are rallying to save various marine species in the face of a catastrophic case of algal bloom along the West coast. Today, more than 300 migratory seabirds from the Oregon/Washington coast were airlifted by the US Coastguard and delivered into the helpful hands of volunteers from the International Bird Rescue Research Center. Unfortunately more than 1,000 birds have already died, as the slimy foam caused by the algae permeates their feathers, robbing them of their water resistance, causing hypothermia and eventually starvation. Scientists have referred to the algal bloom as “natural” but admit they aren’t sure whether it might be occurring also due to unnatural causes.

The plight of the birds is not the first we’ve heard about algae bloom on the west coast this year. Marine mammals, mostly sea lions, have been washing up along the California shore all summer long. I’ve witnessed it myself several times this summer, on walks near Half Moon Bay, where I’ve encountered as many as six dead yearling sea lion pups during one short walk. The Marine Mammal Center has treated an unprecedented number of sick and injured animals this year, roughly 1500, many of them suffering from domoic acid poisoning, a type of algal bloom that gets into the animals’ food chain and causes brain damage.

A red throated loon gets washed and  rinsed
Photo: Paul Kelway/IBRRC

If our first concern is to relieve and hopefully stop the horrific suffering of these birds and animals up and down the West coast, our second question has to be “what does this mean for us humans?” This year’s campaign over at the Marine Mammal Center is “Save Our Seals, Save Ourselves,” a message designed to remind the public of our direct connection to nature.

The International Bird Rescue Research Center and the Marine Mammal Center both need our help desperately to continue with their heroic operations. Hats off too, to the US Coast Guard and to the hundreds of volunteers who give their time and energy to these organizations.

For more information about how to help, please visit the Marine Mammal Center and the International Bird Rescue Research Center Web sites.