Kate Thomas

Movement, dive behavior, and survival of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) post-rehabilitation for domoic acid toxicity

Domoic acid is a neuroexcitatory toxin that can cause gastrointestinal and neurological problems if ingested. California sea lions were first noted displaying clinical symptoms of domoic acid toxicity in 1998 along the central California coast. Behavioral and physical symptoms include head weaving, unresponsiveness, ataxia, scratching, seizures, and lesions within the hippocampal region of the brain. In 1998, animals were admitted to The Marine Mammal Center for treatment and released back into the wild. Behavior and survival of these animals is not known. This project will use satellite telemetry to monitor dive behaviors, locations, and survival of California sea lions post-rehabilitation for domoic acid toxicity. Dive depths will be analyzed to determine if animals are diving to depths consistent with prey resources and if these animals more readily exceed their aerobic dive limits. Location data will be examined to determine if animals are migrating in association with the breeding season. These data will be used to help understand short-term and long-term behavior of domoic acid animals as well as assess the efficiency of treatment.

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