Minke Whale Found Dead in Long Beach Harbor, Demoic Acid Suspected Cause

Whale's Demise in Long Beach Harbor

• 🐳 A 25-foot Minke whale, which had been circling in Long Beach Harbor for a week, was found dead and washed ashore.
• 💔 Experts are investigating the cause of death, as there were no visible signs of trauma.

Suspected Cause: Demoic Acid

• 🧪 A strong possibility for the whale's death is demoic acid, a neurotoxin affecting marine life.
• ⚠️ This toxin is linked to an unprecedented toxic algae bloom causing aggressive sea lion attacks and the deaths of 60 dolphins along the Southern California coast.
• 🐟 The toxin is also poisoning seafood, leading to advisories for paralytic shellfish poisoning in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Diego counties.

Understanding the Toxin's Impact

• 🍽️ While commercial seafood is tested and safe, the advisory suggests avoiding self-caught fish, especially shellfish, as the toxin accumulates in the animal's gut.
• 🌊 Marine mammal experts note this is the first whale observed to suffer from demoic acid, though it has affected sea birds and sea lions.
• 🔬 Samples from the whale have been taken for analysis, with results expected in one to two weeks.