In today's newscast:
Domoic acid poisoning
The strong El Niño weather system this year could mean ongoing risks to California sea lions. The Marine Mammal Center’s Giancarlo Rulli says already this year has been rough, with rescue teams responding to 150 infected animals that can weigh 100 to 300 pounds.
"This is very physical, labor-intensive work that our volunteer responders have been performing really at a significant level the last four to six weeks," he said.
A neurotoxin called domoic acid poisons and can kill sea lions and other marine mammals.
Rulli says because sea lions forage close to the shore, what happens to them has implications for humans.
"They eat the same food we do," he said. "So when they are coming ashore sick, it is a real cue for us—not only at the Marine Mammal Center, but should be for all of us—to pay attention to what they're telling us because their health is our health."
Crabs, shellfish and anchovies all could be affected. Rulli says seeing a distressed sea lion can be disturbing but beachgoers should report sightings. The Marine Mammal Center has typically been able to save about half the sea lions it treats with antiseizure medication, fluids and good nutrition.
If you see a sea lion in distress, Rulli says to stay 150 feet away and call the Marine Mammal Center hotline at 413-289-7325 (SEAL).
Sewer malfunction at Government Center
Monterey County's government center in Salinas is closed until further notice.* The building was closed Sept. 4 after what they’ve called “an extensive sewer line malfunction.”
Some public-facing offices were affected, but a county spokesperson says all services have continued, though some from different locations.
The county had initially expected a reopening last week, then Monday, then today.
*The county sent an email saying the building would be closed until further notice, but not in time for broadcast this morning.
