Recent reports from marine conservation organizations and government agencies have revealed a troubling increase in threats to marine life along the West Coast of the United States. In recent weeks, hundreds of these lovable sea creatures have turned up on beaches. This bacterial infection has been particularly lethal for younger. At the same time, whale entanglements have increased dramatically, with California seeing the highest share of impacted species.
That’s why MMCCLA recently identified a previously undocumented infective and potentially deadly bacterial condition. This condition is unique in that it specifically targets the kidneys of sea lions. The one constant is the epic toll the pandemic has taken on dolphins and sea lions stranding up and down Southern California beaches. Most of these animals died from poisoning due to domoic acid produced by toxic algal blooms. Scientists and environmentalists are understandably alarmed by the bleak picture. They see these breakthroughs as symptomatic of deeper systemic problems that are endangering our oceans’ ecosystems.
The entanglement crisis is particularly alarming. Further complicating these issues, a new report found that one in four whale entanglements occurred along California’s coast. The vast majority of these events were with humpback whales. Though other states have returned impressive numbers. Massachusetts at 18%, Alaska at 16% and Hawaii at 12%.
Budget Cuts and Reduced Staffing at NOAA
Our marine ecosystems are under increasing assault. These threats come as the Trump administration, in the first half of 2017, forced major staffing and budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The company has laid off 588 workers in 20 of their offices around the country. Though most of these cuts were felt primarily on the West Coast, these cuts have raised fears about NOAA’s ability to thoroughly track and combat dangers to marine life, as well.
The recent shutdown of the federal government has only added to that confusion, leaving thousands of non-essential government employees suddenly furloughed. Experts argue that these cuts undermine NOAA’s essential functions, which include oversight, coordination, permitting, and accountability crucial for protecting marine ecosystems.
“NOAA’s oversight provides coordination, permitting and accountability that keeps the system working.” – Dr. Alissa Deming
The implications of reduced staffing are significant. Environmental advocate Dave Bader celebrated the inclusion, but stressed that support is needed on multiple fronts of NOAA’s operations. He stated, “When we think about the solution to end species endangerment and protect biodiversity, we need NOAA at all stages to have robust support to be able to do that.”
This view is shared by Gib Brogan, a senior scientist with Oceana. He stressed that existing protections for marine life are insufficient given recent changes. These recent, horrific threats to sea lions, dolphins, and whales highlight the need for greater regulation and more importantly, enforcement of these regulations.
“This report paints a clear picture: our current safeguards are not enough.” – Gib Brogan
Legislative Changes and Their Impact
Legislative changes rolling back the MMPA would only compound the difficulties marine species are already up against. These proposed changes would increase the maximum cap for humpback whale entanglements. Rather than three, fishermen would have up to thirty entanglements before triggering a commercial fishing closure. Opponents maintain that these types of changes will erode safety protections at the time they are most needed.
John Warner, a former marine conservationist at the Pew Charitable Trusts, was alarmed by these possible revisions. He stated, “At a time when there are bigger threats… this is not the time to be gutting protections you’d be expecting to have conversations about strengthening.”
Legacy traps still represent a hazard in the waters off Southern California. Marie Clark pointed out that some of these traps could still be from 2023, adding to the risk of entanglements for whales and other marine mammals.
“We still have old traps out there, some may be from 2023.” – Marie Clark
The MMPA’s implementation, particularly how it’s enforced, has come under scrutiny. Rep. Nick Begich argued that ambiguous or overly conservative regulations have led to an atmosphere of confusion over the years. It has led to harm that went beyond anyone’s intent. He continues to call for transparency and equilibrium in implementation of the Act.
“As the decades have passed, we’ve seen how its implementation… has led to confusion, delay and unintended harm.” – Rep. Nick Begich
The Consequences of Inaction
Unfortunately, the costs of inaction are all too clear and adding up quickly. Necropsies conducted on whales that washed up on Southern California beaches validated this theory, confirming lethal levels of harmful algal bloom toxins. In addition, this year mortality rate among Northern California sea lions has increased by astounding numbers over previous years.
John Warner highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “The mortality rate is much higher this year… just like the mortality rate was higher than we’ve ever seen here for domoic acid.”
Experts warn that the quieting of NOAA’s operations significantly compromises the nation’s ability to protect marine mammals and comprehend the unfolding challenges in ocean environments. As Dr. Alissa Deming articulated, “When it goes quiet, our nation’s ability to protect marine mammals and understand what’s happening in our oceans is seriously compromised.”