Marine Mammal Center Sees Spike in Domoic Acid Rescues, Sea Lion Dies at Crissy Field The Marine Mammal Center is responding to a surge in domoic acid poisoning cases, with a sea lion perishing despite rescue attempts. The center has received numerous calls about affected animals and cautions that repeated exposure to the toxin can be fatal. The Marine Mammal Center reports a sharp increase in rescue calls as domoic acid poisoning affects dozens of marine mammals along the California coast. A California sea lion died at Crissy Field on Monday after exhibiting symptoms consistent with the neurotoxin. This year's outbreak has already surpassed the annual average for such poisonings, with over 700 calls received in a single day. The center warns that repeated exposure to domoic acid can lead to permanent brain damage and heart failure in sea lions