Sea lions exposed to algal toxin show impaired spatial memory

IET WebDev — December 14, 2015 - 11:30am

Brain scans and behavioral tests of California sea lions that stranded on shore show how an algal toxin disrupts brain networks, leading to deficits in spatial memory, according to a study to be published Dec. 18 in Science. The new findings by scientists at 91��Ƭ Santa Cruz, 91��Ƭ Davis and the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, suggest that chronic exposure to the toxin domoic acid, produced by naturally occurring marine algae, affects sea lions' ability to navigate in their ocean habitat and survive in the wild.

Marine Algae Content

Sea lions exposed to algal toxin show impaired spatial memory