Widespread outbreaks of domoic acid poisoning are known by scientists to strike sea lions as well as dolphins. These mammals pick up the acid by eating anchovies and sardines that have fed on toxic algae.

In humans, domoic acid poisoning can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, loss of short-term memory, weakness, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, coma and possibly death, according to the bird rescue center. Humans can be affected after eating contaminated shellfish, but cannot be poisoned simply by swimming in the ocean.

PATIENT: Debbie McGuire, left, and Star Howard hydrate a sick California brown pelican at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Lori Shepler Los Angeles Times; RESCUED: Lisa Birkle of Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach cares for a sick pelican.; PHOTOGRAPHER: Lori Shepler Los Angeles Times