It has been devastating to see thousands of dead seals and birds along the coastline of Shelly Beach, Elands Bay and Lamberts Bay in the last few weeks. Scientists believe there is something more sinister going on and are trying their best to find the source of the problem.
Sea Search, a collective of scientists and students with a strong academic background in the area of marine mammal science, have been collecting data and assisting in the removal of the dead animals from the beaches affected.
In a Facebook post, they shared their deep sadness on the situation.
“We are collating the data collected from Shelly Beach, Elands Bay and Lamberts Bay on the Cape Fur Seal Mortality Event and Avian Flu. Looking through these pictures with heavy hearts. Sea Search is a small NGO but we are doing our best to play a key role in co-ordinating the data collection and response. We have numbers on mortalities at Elands and Lamberts bay, and working with the authorities, other NGOs, Vets and citizen scientists to start looking into what’s happening,” the NGO said the post.
They first became award of the mulitple deaths on 11 September and proceeded to investigate the matter on 21 September. The West Coast has been the most affected.
“Please note that this time of the year for Cape fur seals is a time of high energy demand and some naturally don’t make it. Yearlings are now forced to fully wean, and females are heavily pregnant, with pupping due to start in earnest in mid Nov. Combined with strong SE winds, we often see high numbers of dead youngsters on our beaches,” they explained.
Sea Search, however, believe that something more is going on and are working hard to figure it out.
“Our scientific instincts would argue something else is going on – this especially on the back of last years’ ‘Abortion Storm’ in Namibia, where we (Namibian Dolphin Project) were instrumental in collecting data with Ocean Conservation Namibia).
“We need to systematically collect and collate data, records and we have played a key role this week getting fresh samples to the State Vet for further analysis. This will take time, as diagnostics is a long process,” they explained.
On first glance it is apparent that animals are starving but Sea Change has observed neurological effects, with some animals showing disturbing convulsions as they lie dying.
“Females are giving birth and then soon after dying as well. Deaths range from pre-term pups to adult females and sub adults males. Many are freshly deceased. This is not right and should not be ignored. This is a developing issue and we recommend reporting through the Seafari App or directly to Sea Search sightings on our facebook page.”
How to report dead seals:
There are 3 options for reporting dead cape fur seals long the coastline. 1) Seafari – an cell phone app specifically for marine life and well managed by Seafari App – The app is easy to use and is great as the location and photograph are directly uploaded for scientific use.
- You can use this app to log your sightings of dead seals and this info will feedback directly to us via Alex Vogal. http://www.seafariapp.org/
- Inaturalist – has a cell phone app and is great as this contains the location and options to capture a photo and details for scientific usehttps://www.inaturalist.org/
- Report sightings directly to Sea Search through Info@SeaSearch.co.za or Seasearch Sightings group – and these will be collated. Please summarise: Location, Date, Number of Seals, Age Class (Pup/ Juvenile, Adult -if known) and fresh or decomposed. http://seasearch.co.za/contact/
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