A massive toxic algal bloom has closed shellfish fisheries along the West Coast.
"It appears to be the largest we've seen in terms of severity and magnitude," said Michael Milstein, spokesman with NOAA Fisheries.
He said when the ocean is warm and not "mixing," algae grow and produce a toxin, which is then eaten by sardines, anchovy and other fish that feed on the algae.
Microorganisms known as plankton can accumulate the toxin, which then can poison birds and sea lions that feed on them.
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