False alarm -- another article said the toxin is released by algae.
Natural toxin in algae kills sea lions
http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?id=33592
Peter Wallerstein, a spokesman for the rescue group, said it appeared the sea lions were victims of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by an algae that has sickened dozens of sea mammals off the Southern California coast in recent years. It attacks the nervous system and causes seizures.
"In 20 years, this is the hardest thing I've seen," Wallerstein said, "the look in the eyes of these sea lions while those neurotoxins are exploding in their brains." The rescue group has picked up 118 beached sea mammals so far this year, he said, and many of the young sea lions did not survive the domoic acid poisoning.
Ping to 4190-- they say it's natural toxin, domoic acid, but it sure seems like some nasty stuff.
I guess all terrorists have to do is get some algae and put it in the salad at a cafeteria.