Algae Bloom Threat to Marine Mammals Persists Despite Official End

Southern California Algae Bloom Ends, But Marine Mammals Remain at Risk Southern California is facing the aftermath of another devastating algae bloom, the fourth in as many years. While the bloom itself has subsided, the consequences for marine wildlife are still unfolding. The bloom, which began in February, caused the deaths of hundreds of sea lions, dolphins, and whales. "One of the key points brought up at a meeting with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was the harmful algae bloom that has officially ended," reported Corinne Purtill of the Los Angeles Times. "But marine mammals aren't in the clear yet." Researchers are now investigating a potential link between the intensity of this year's bloom and the debris from January's wildfires. Dozens of research groups are currently collecting data to assess this connection. While the bloom's immediate threat has passed, the frequency and intensity of these events are expected to increase due to climate change, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of Southern California's coastal ecosystem.