The toxicity of this particular bloom seems to be a lot higher, ” said a marine biologist. “Animals are in worse shape than they have been in the past.”

Toxic algae off the coast of Southern California is killing or sickening hundreds of sea lions, dolphins and seabirds, while forcing rescuers to make tough choices about "which animals to save."

The early bloom of toxic algae off the coast of California is causing mass poisonings of sea lions, with animal rescue organizations receiving up to 100 reports a day. "We are having to do triage on the beach as we try to identify those animals where we have the greatest chance of making a difference,