COMMUNITY

Toxic Algae is Poisoning Sea Lions and Dolphins, but What Does it Mean for Boaters and Anglers?

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

SANTA BARBARA — Hundreds of dead sea lions and dolphins are washing up along the coast of Ventura County, and experts believe it is due to a high concentration of toxic algae. While algae blooms are not uncommon, this is concerning as beachgoers are having to navigate around a shoreline of carcasses.

Over 100 dolphins have been discovered washed up, while others have witnessed sea lions having seizures on the sand.

According to Michelle Kowalewski, the executive director of the Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit (CICRU), a non- profit that works to assess any manmade or natural detriments to whales, dolphins, and porpoises in and around the Sanat Barbara Channel, the deaths are likely due to a domoic acid toxin produced by algae.

“That algae gets eaten by anchovies, and then the dolphins and the sea lions eat the anchovies and get sick from the toxin,” said Kowalewski in an interview. “It affects their brain, and then they die.”

Beachgoers and researchers see an average of ten dead dolphins washing ashore daily. The blooms are nothing new, but this level of intensity is, and CICRU hopes the peak of the event is already behind them.

On Board With J.R. Johnson

What does this mean for boaters, anglers, and those in the ocean?

Don’t worry, anglers; according to Kowalewski, “this toxin is found in tiny algae cells,” she said. “It would take quite a bit to make a person sick. It can accumulate in shellfish and cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning if ingested, but again, concentrations need to be high. A boater jumping into the water would probably not be able to ingest enough to make them sick.”

“Domoic Acid is water-soluble,” said Kowalewski. “This makes it pass through the body pretty quickly without being stored in body tissues. As long as the fish is properly gutted and the intestines are removed, the muscle is fine to eat and not contaminated. Shellfish are not gutted, and that is why there is a shellfish closure. Levels in shellfish are monitored by the Department of Health, and closures occur when concentrations reach a certain threshold.”

The toxin in the algae mimics a neurotransmitter, essentially causing neurons in the brain to fire continually. This makes the animal seizure and possibly feel disoriented. According to Kow- alewski, aggression most likely stems from the stress of a wild animal feeling sick and fearing predators. Wild animals become stressed around humans, dogs, and other predators. This is when they bite to protect themselves. Beachgoers are urged to stay away from any distressed animals to prevent any attack. For more information visit fisheries.noaa.gov.

Letters/Online Comments

RE: Lift Foils Welcomes the LIFT4 (MARCH 31- APRIL 13)

“Lift4 Battery is a Real Problem for overheating and ride time. I’m seeing 30 minutes only – NOT 2.5 hours. And, when it overheats ~60c, the unit shuts down and won’t run. Swim time!! I have the 4.2 board with the 160 camber front and rear 38 surf. Lift replaced the mast/motor and ebox.

Same results. They told me “buy larger fins and ride slower”. I’m super disappointed in Lift and think they have a design problem as I’m drawing 55amps when riding. If you do the math, that’s about 30 minutes with the 2.1kWh battery. Anyone else seeing this?”

—Scott

By Log Staff

Local

Dana Point Harbor Announces two new Tenants Entering the Harbor

DANA POINT — Summer has made its way to the bright California coast. Dana Point Harbor celebrates with several events and activities, including live outdoor music, new tenants to the harbor, and more.

Dana Point Harbor will host Live Music on The Wharf in the Hansen Courtyard on select Thursdays from July 20 to Sept. 21 from 4 - 6 p.m. The lineup includes talent from local artists Lauren Black, Chloe DeMore, and Anthony Small, accompanied by Matt Samia. For dates and additional details, visit danapointharbor.com.

In collaboration with the American Red Cross, Dana Point Harbor will host a blood drive on July 27 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Visitors who donate between July 17 - 31 will receive an exclusive Shark Week t-shirt from Discovery while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/ RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment. Walkins will be welcome based on availability.

Dana Point Harbor Partners is also announcing two new tenants moving in just in time for summer. Located next to Frisby Cellars and Jon’s Fish Market in the Hansen Courtyard, The Pretzelria opened on July 2, offering freshly baked pretzel bites and other delicious snacks. Also new to the Harbor, The Doggie Barkery will open on Aug. 1 with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. The Doggie Barkery will be located in Mariner’s Village, near iHeartYoga, and will feature healthy treats for dogs and dog essentials, from food to jerky.

Port of San Diego

Celebrates its 22 Parks with a Proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month

SAN DIEGO —On July 11, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized a resolution proclaiming its support of Parks and Recreation Month. The Port of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation department manages public access to 22 parks as well as public boat launches, fishing piers, event facilities, and a diverse collection of public artworks for the benefit of public recreation, passive enjoyment, community gatherings, and special events.

Celebrated since 1985, Park and Recreation Month raises public awareness about the role of open public space and recreation in communities and people’s lives. It encourages individuals and organizations to participate in outdoor recreational activities and allows governments and businesses to show their commitment to planning and maintaining green spaces in urban settings.

“As a port of communities, the Port of San Diego prides itself in offering community members and visitors 22 parks along the waterfront, giving the public access to some of the most precious views in San Diego to all,” said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners in a press release from July 11. “As we reflect on what a true treasure our waterfront parks are, we would [also like] to recognize the many women and men working at the Port of San Diego that maintain and manage our parks so we can all enjoy them.”

The Port provides opportunities for community events and several other activations through its event sponsorship initiatives called the Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP). TAP was recently amended by the Port’s Board to increase event sponsorship opportunities and to provide a better balance of public access and support for public events at Port parks and venues. Some free TAP events the public has grown to love include the Big Bay Boom, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, South Bay Pride, Symphony by the Sea, and more.

The Port of San Diego will soon go from 22 parks to 23 following the construction of Sweetwater Park, which is anticipated to open in 2024, giving community members and visitors another waterfront park to enjoy. A 24th park, Freedom Park at Navy Pier, is expected to open in 2029.

STATE/NATIONAL/ INTERNATIONAL

Division of Boating and Waterways now Accepting Grant Applications for Boating Infrastructure from Marina Operators

California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting applications from public and private marina owners for federal Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG) for 2024. A total of $18 million is available for BIG projects nationally, and the grants can fund up to 75 percent of total project costs, with a maximum available grant award of $1.5 million. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1.

Funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, BIG is a competitive program open to both publicly and privately owned marinas to renovate or construct visitor docks, restrooms, gangways, and dockside utility hook-ups to serve transient recreational boaters with vessels 26 feet or greater in length, staying fewer than 15 days.

Approved grant projects would provide the following resources to the recreational boating community:

• Enhance access to recreational, historical, cultural, and scenic resources.

• Strengthen community ties to the water’s edge and increase economic benefits.

• Promote public and private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities.