Sick sea lion dies on SF beach in latest neurotoxin case connected to warmer waters

Stream local breaking news and original programming, live 24/7, from ABC7 Bay Area. SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A sick California sea lion died Monday morning on San Francisco's Crissy Field Beach after it was seen experiencing seizures likely due to a neurotoxin, the Marine Mammal Center confirms. Patti Jensen with the Marine Mammal Center suspects that it had domoic acid, which has affected other animals they have rescued. The sea lion was seen by beachgoers having several seizures, before officials confirmed its death. It was set to be taken to the Center in Sausalito. Jensen said that they are currently seeing a surge in domoic acid rescues. "The domoic is from the algae that's in the water," Jensen said. "The algae is going through a bloom right now due to the warming ocean temperatures. The fish are eating the algae, and they are passing it on to the seals and sea lions." Jensen said that the neurotoxin affects their brains and that if the seizures go on long enough, it can start to affect their internal organs. The "super" El Niño is expected to be bringing warmer water to the California coast. The Marine Mammal Center diagnosed the first case of domoic acid in mammals in 1998, according to their website. They say that since then, the disease has become more unpredictable and intense. There was also a very strong El Niño in 1997 and 1998. Jensen reminded people to keep their distance if they come across an animal like this and to keep dogs on a leash. Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.