Rainy Day: 8 Gray Whales and Three Marine Mammals Stranded

8 North Bound 0 South Bound 4 hrs

March 14th, 2025 Friday

Rain and drizzle on and off throughout the day. Overcast gray with limited visibility on and off due to fog and rain.

Gray whales were seen in six sightings, with eight whales in total during on effort time. One Gray Whale was escorted by Bottlenose Dolphins, there were two pairs, one of these was underweight and four solo whales one of which was also underweight.

Three Marine Mammal Rescues today by the CWC-MMR (California Wildlife Center- Marine Mammal Rescue) involved a Sea Lion Pup with suspected Domoic Acid Poisoning. The Sea Lion displayed irregular behaviors including micro seizures and odd body movements seen in the photos below.

An Elephant Seal Pup made it all the way up to the parking lot. It was rescued after a report by local wildlife enthusiast Eric Pierson. Eric also shared the photos below. The CWC- MMR team came and picked it up for further assessment. Elephant Seal Pups become weak and tired in rough choppy seas which make it difficult for the pups to find fish to feed which results in malnutrition and dehydration and they strand onshore. Do not try to approach them, they look tired and sick but can quickly become aggressive and agitated moving quickly.

To Report a sick or injured Marine Mammal or Injured Shore Bird please call the California Wildlife Center: Marine Mammal Rescue Hotline….

Please take photo of the animal and injury without disturbing the animal.

DO NOT TOUCH THE ANIMAL

Be Prepared to STAY until you speak to the center and KEEP OTHERS AWAY at least 50 ft if possible to protect the wildlife and yourself. You can also speak to the lifeguard on duty to provide help if possible.

The Wildlife Center will ask you to text a photo to them to assess the situation.

Call (310)924-7256

Two thin whales from todays sightings pictured below. These whales were not diving deep as they passed through but skimmed the surface as they migrated north to feed.

Late in the day a Sea Lion bull stranded on dry sand with CWC-MMR (California Wildlife Center- Marine Mammal Rescue Team) lead by Alexis on site to asses the Sea Lion. After assessments it was determined it was ok to be left onshore overnight and rechecked in the morning if it was still onshore.

Beautiful sunset as the sun finally peeked through the clouds.

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