- The discovery of over 1300 dead Hooker's
sea lion pups on the Auckland Islands, south of New Zealand, broke internationally
the first week of February. It was closely followed by up to four dozen
adult females, and close to a dozen adult males, found dead in and out
of the surrounding waters.
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- The cause of these deaths - preceded
by symptoms of lesions, puffy eyes and paralysis - is still under investigation.
However, other incidents in the region point to a probable culprit.
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- As reported by New Zealand's TV1, other
dead marine life - mussels, spider crabs, octopuses, and fish - have been
washing up on the eastern coasts of the Wairarapa and Kaikoura regions.
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- In the Wairarapa, a number of people
swimming along the beach areas have suffered sore throats, headaches and
skin rashes. According to these local news reports, blame is being placed
on toxic algae blooms. These blooms, often the result of warming in nutrient-rich
waters, are being exasperated by El Nino.
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- As shown during past toxic blooms, effects
can include lesions, open sores and often death in marine life. In humans,
some studies have revealed skin rashes, respiratory ailments and memory
loss in those exposed to contaminated waters. Eating contaminated shellfish
can cause severe illness and even death in extreme cases.
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- In addition to the marine deaths, mussels
contaminated with a natural toxin have been discovered along the Great
Barrier Island, TV1 reported, forcing the suspension of shellfish gathering.
Post-mortem examinations of dead sea lion pups are being conducted, the
results of which should be available in a couple of weeks, the Department
of Conservation (New Zealand) stated.
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- While a virus or bacteria hasn't been
completely ruled out, other evidence points to a biotoxin as the probable
cause.
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