DA is domoic acid toxicosis. The domoic acid, a neurotoxin, is produced by a micro algae called Pseudo-nitzschia australis. Small fish like sardines eat the algae, then mammals eat those fish and get sick. There is no antidote. If enough contaminated fish are eaten, a pinniped (or human!) will have seizures, brain damage, and eventually heart failure. If an animal is rescued in time, the toxin will eventually flush from the system with proper care, before causing permanent damage. The pups are fed plenty of clean, safe fish and receive medical care like anti-seizure meds to help keep them stable. Once they're healthy and vets are sure there's no permanent health problems, they can be released back into the wild
