Brain Damage in Sea Lions Linked to Toxic 'Red Tides'

A California sea lion. (Credit: kesterhu/Shutterstock) There’s something in the water, and it’s causing brain damage in sea lions. In recent years, an unprecedented number of California sea lions have drifted onto shore looking starved, confused and disoriented — some suffering from seizures. The animals’ peculiar behavior has baffled scientists for some time, but thanks to a recent study a new culprit has emerged: a neurotoxin produced by marine algae called domoic acid.