B.C. scientists will be keeping a close eye on a toxic algae this summer as hundreds of sea lions, seabirds and dolphins have been washing up sick or dead on beaches in Southern California.

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,

Sea lions, dolphins and birds are sick and dying because of a toxic algae bloom in Southern California—and animal care organizations are overwhelmed by the scale

Sea lions on the California coast are displaying strange behavior likely due to a harmful algae bloom impacting the region, according to marine researchers.

There’s growing concern over toxic algae blooms making sea lions dangerously aggressive while killing off other sea animals, with experts saying the algae is causing seizures, comas and even death in the marine mammals.

A 15-year-old girl was attacked during her swim test in Long Beach by a sea lion sickened by a recent toxic algae bloom, according to the girl's family.

SeaWorld San Diego says it is getting up to 100 calls and emails a day from people reporting seeing sick animals

Phoebe Beltran was in the homestretch of her 1,000-yard swim when she suddenly felt an intense pain as the sea lion bit her right arm.