At least five adult sea lions have died. What we know. Though harmful to sea life, algal blooms are natural events that usually last four to eight weeks. When some algal blooms gr

The adult sea lions are being found just as rescue centers gear up for saving sea lion pups that typically are found struggling at this time of year.

MALIBU — An outbreak of domoic acid is sickening sea lions in the waters off Malibu, according to wildlife officials. Workers at the California Wildlife Center responded to at least 14 calls for sea lions in distress over a four-day period, the center said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

The animals appear to be suffering from exposure to a neurotoxin produced by algal blooms that accumulates in fish the sea lions eat.

A surge of California sea lions exhibiting neurological distress in Malibu is suspected to be caused by domoic acid poisoning, stemming from toxic algae blooms. The California Wildlife Center said rescue efforts are underway amid urgent public warnings to maintain distance from the animals.

An outbreak of toxic algae has left as many as 50 sea lions sickened and stranded on Malibu beaches in the past week, according to wildlife officials. It is estimated that at least 10 sea lions are currently in treatment at the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles.