Surge In Sick Sea Lions Signals Troubling Changes In California's Coastal Waters

CBS Bay Area

September 11, 2026

They're loud, playful and one of San Francisco's most recognizable icons. But this summer, sea lions along the Central California coast are also signaling a troubling change in the ocean.

Rescuers are responding to a surge in sea lions sickened by domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced by naturally occurring harmful algal blooms. The Marine Mammal Center says it has already rescued more than 150 sea lions with domoic acid poisoning this year — more than twice its typical annual total.

At San Francisco's Pier 39, where sea lions have become a tourist attraction, the animals appear healthy and energetic.

Click here for the full story via CBS San Francisco Bay Area

CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.