Southern California's toxic algae bloom ends, ecosystem vulnerable

The harmful algae bloom that killed hundreds of dolphins and sea lions in Southern California has ended, but the marine ecosystem remains vulnerable. Toxic algae levels have decreased, but the long-term effects are still unknown. The bloom, one of the largest on record, began in February and caused widespread neurotoxin poisoning. Scientists are still assessing the full impact, particularly on breeding females, and further outbreaks are possible. This is the fourth consecutive year of such blooms, linked to nutrient-rich upwellings. Researchers are investigating if January's firestorms exacerbated the bloom's intensity, as climate change increases the frequency of these events.