After a brutal spring of toxic algae blooms turning some sea lions into sick, snarling seaside hazards, anxious beachgoers can breathe a sigh of relief as experts say the worst of the poisoning is over.

This week, the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro said it had seen no new patients with domoic acid poisoning or any recent signs of Pseudo-nitzschia algae in Southern California waters.

“This was the longest, most toxic, and deadliest bloom we’ve ever experienced,” the center announced on social media. “Because of your support and advocacy, we got through it, and hundreds of marine mammals received a second chance at life!”

This year’s poisoning event pushed the center to its limits as it treated more than 400 marine animals, including scores of sick sea lions and dolphins.

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