An outbreak of a toxin has left over 50 sea lions sick and stranded off the Malibu coast. At least 10 are currently in a treatment center.

When some algal blooms grow out of control, they can emit a neurotoxin that accumulates in small fish, like sardines and anchovies. When sea lions eat those fish, the toxin binds to their brain and heart. They can have seizures, tremors, vision issues and even cardiac problems.

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