The document summarizes evidence that toxic diatom blooms responsible for sea bird mortality are spreading. Researchers analyzed stomach contents of pelicans and mackerel that died at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, finding structures resembling the diatom Pseudonitzschia. Extracts from pelican viscera injected in mice showed low levels of the toxin domoic acid, causing diarrhea, convulsions and death. The study identifies Pseudonitzschia blooms as the source of bird toxicity from domoic acid, and recommends monitoring programs to detect future harmful algal blooms.