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California Coastline Experiences Unprecedented Sea Lion Strandings Due to Toxic Algae Bloom

California Coastline Experiences Unprecedented Sea Lion Strandings Due to Toxic Algae Bloom

The California coastline is currently experiencing an unusually high number of sea lion strandings, primarily attributed to a widespread harmful algal bloom (HAB) event. This bloom involves pseudo-nitzschia, a microalgae that produces domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin. Sea lions consume organisms like anchovies, sardines, and squid that have ingested this toxic algae, leading to domoic acid poisoning. Symptoms in affected sea lions include lethargy, disorientation, unpredictable behavior, twitching, tremors, and seizures. The Marine Mammal Center, a Sausalito-based nonprofit, has reported that this year's outbreak is the largest in its history since domoic acid toxicosis was first diagnosed in California sea lions in 1998. The center has rescued 291 sea lions affected by domoic acid poisoning as of October, with most rescues occurring since July, significantly exceeding the typical annual range of 75 to 90 cases. Warming oceans and ocean acidification are identified as contributing factors to the proliferat...
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Whale washes ashore in Santa Cruz, spurs surrounding area to close

Whale washes ashore in Santa Cruz, spurs surrounding area to close

A whale washed ashore on Cowell Beach, officials reported on Nov. 12. It's not immediately clear whether the marine mammal is alive or dead.
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Rare pilot whales spotted off Southern California coast

Rare pilot whales spotted off Southern California coast

Spotted off Newport Beach in the first local sighting since 2015, the species is known for hunting squid far below the ocean's surface.
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El Niño May Bring Unusual Marine Species to Southern California Beaches

El Niño May Bring Unusual Marine Species to Southern California Beaches

Scientists at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are preparing for the potential arrival of unusual marine species along Southern California beaches due to the ongoing 'Super El Niño'. This weather pattern is causing warm waters, strong currents, and destructive tides, which may push tropical and subtropical species, including venomous yellow-bellied sea snakes, onto the shores. Historical data shows that these snakes have been spotted in California during previous El Niño events, particularly between October and January. Other marine species, such as hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and dorado, are also expected to move north following prey. The phenomenon highlights the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, with tropical species gradually expanding their range toward the poles.
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California Kayak Fisherman Records Close Encounter with Great White Shark

California Kayak Fisherman Records Close Encounter with Great White Shark

A kayak fisherman in California, David Slavich, recently had a close encounter with a great white shark off the coast of Half Moon Bay, capturing the entire incident on video. Slavich reported hearing a splash behind him and turning to see a massive shark just feet from his kayak. He described the shark as larger than his 12.5-foot kayak, causing immediate panic. Prior to the encounter, a paddleboarder had warned Slavich about a shark in the area, but he dismissed the likelihood of encountering it. The video shows Slavich quickly reeling in his line as the shark approached, with its eye locking with his. The shark swam past his kayak without making contact, continuing on its way. Slavich, who spends considerable time in the water, views the incident as evidence that sharks are more curious than aggressive towards humans, despite the intense fear he experienced.
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Move over Shadow, there's a new bald eagle couple to follow

Move over Shadow, there's a new bald eagle couple to follow

Kings River Conservancy has launched a new live bald eagle camera in central California spotlighting residents Margaret and Jack.
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Heavy Snow and Winds Hit Sierra Nevada Amid Storms

Heavy Snow and Winds Hit Sierra Nevada Amid Storms

A series of storms is sweeping across the western United States, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions. A winter storm warning is in effect for parts of California's Sierra Nevada, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area and Mammoth Lakes, where up to 2 feet of snow is expected at higher elevations on Friday and Saturday. Wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph in Truckee and Lake Tahoe communities, and up to 90 mph along ridges. Additionally, a high surf warning is in place from Monterey to Crescent City, with waves potentially reaching 25 feet on Friday and 35 feet on Saturday. Coastal flooding is also possible in the Bay Area during high tide, with water levels rising up to 1.5 feet above normal. This weather pattern is linked to a record El Niño event expected to persist for the next six months. (Source: ABC News, Source time: Fri, 13 Nov 2026 12:56:12 GMT)
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Google, TikTok and Meta sue California over new social media law

Google, TikTok and Meta sue California over new social media law

Google, TikTok and Meta filed a federal lawsuit against California to block a new state law that regulates how social media can target teens.
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How to instantly defuse a Thanksgiving family argument

How to instantly defuse a Thanksgiving family argument

A stressful family Thanksgiving is as predictable as pumpkin pie. But you can help quell the tension.
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San Francisco Supervisors Unanimously Legalize Home-Cooked Food Sales, Aiding Street Vendors

San Francisco Supervisors Unanimously Legalize Home-Cooked Food Sales, Aiding Street Vendors

San Francisco Supervisors Unanimously Legalize Home-Cooked Food Sales, Aiding Street Vendors
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Starving Seabirds Wash Ashore in California, Raising Concerns for Wildlife Rescuers

Starving Seabirds Wash Ashore in California, Raising Concerns for Wildlife Rescuers

Wildlife rescuers in California are facing a new wave of distressed seabirds, primarily common murres, washing ashore in a starving and weakened state. Many of these birds are juveniles in their first year of life, struggling to find sufficient food in the open ocean. By the time they reach rehabilitation centers, many have suffered prolonged starvation, leading to organ damage that even intensive medical care cannot reverse. Pacific Wildlife Care, an organization with over four decades of experience, describes the scale and duration of this emergency as unprecedented. The first 24 hours are critical for these animals, with survival rates significantly increasing if they can be stabilized during this period. Those that survive often require weeks of intensive care, including warmth, fluids, medication, and nutritional support. The birds can also lose their natural waterproofing, necessitating specialized care to prevent hypothermia and pressure sores.
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California high school football rankings: USA TODAY Sports Super 10 entering playoffs

California high school football rankings: USA TODAY Sports Super 10 entering playoffs

Santa Margarita leads California's top 10 high school football teams as the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs prepare to kick off Nov. 13.