A growing number of sick sea lions are being reported along Northern California beaches as experts warn the mammals are suffering, and in some cases dying, from a toxic illness. The latest fatality was reported in San Francisco, while further south a surge in cases is occurring between Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Video taken by workers at Seacliff State Beach and Manresa State Beach shows sick sea lions along the shore. Sea life experts have been sounding the alarm, stating it is clear the problem is spreading. Scientists say blooming algae is producing intense levels of toxic domoic acid. The toxin is absorbed by small fish, which are then eaten by the sea lions. People who have come into contact with some of the sick mammals say they could tell something was wrong almost immediately. “It was just kind of rolling around in the sand … just letting the waves hit … just digging its nose into the sand every once in a while … just behaving kind of erratically,” said Santa Cruz resident Ryan Rubio. The Marine Mammal Center reports receiving between 300 and 700 calls a day about sick sea lions. Around 100 sea lions have been treated in recent weeks, including 30 rescued in a single week. The center retrieved a California sea lion near Crissy Field after it was seen weaving its head and having seizures. It ultimately died on the beach. Officials are waiting on test results to confirm whether it was suffering from domoic acid poisoning. “If the Marine Mammal Center can get them in time … they can try and flush out those toxins … and feed them fish that don’t have the algae inside of them … so then some are able to heal but a lot of the times it’s too late,” said Angela Martin, a State Park aide. The Marine Mammal Center notes that while the problem is not new, outbreaks are becoming less seasonal and more intense. “It made me want to make sure the ranger was on its way … somebody giving it the help that it needed,” Rubio said. The center and State Park staff are asking anyone who sees a sick sea lion to report it immediately. Officials emphasize that beachgoers should stay clear of the animals, as their behavior can be unpredictable. ...read more read less