Guardians of Mossel Bay's Marine Treasures
Who We Are
S.M.A.R.T (Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team) is a registered Non-Profit company involved in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and stranded marine mammals along the Mossel Bay coastline since 2015.
S.M.A.R.T. consists of passionate volunteers and a qualified Veterinarian.
Our Approach
S.M.A.R.T responds to cetaceans (whales and dolphins), pinnipeds (seals), and sea turtles in distress. Strandings are reported to an emergency number, after which a message is sent to a WhatsApp group of trained volunteers who are available to attend the stranding site. Feedback on the nature and intensity of the stranding is provided on the WhatsApp group. When possible, the animals are taken to the team’s veterinarian for treatment and released as soon as feasible.
Our Impact
The primary focus of S.M.A.R.T is the rescue, preservation, conservation, and welfare of marine mammals along the Mossel Bay coastline. We actively cover the area between Gouritsmond and Wildernis, and its operations are dependent on the involvement of residents in the greater Mossel Bay area.
S.M.A.R.T operates under the authority of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and serves as agents for Dr. Greg Hofmeyr from Bayworld, Gqerberha. We collaborate with various organisations, including the NSRI, SPCA, Mossel Bay Municipality, Seaborder Police, Cape Nature, SANParks, SAPREC and various conservancies and neighbourhood watch groups in the area.
News
Weekly Incident Report: June 2-8, 2025
Dear SMART Members and Friends, This week tested all our volunteers as we called upon everyone to give their best for an extraordinary monitoring operation. Columbo the Elephant Seal Returns!
Weekly Incident Report May 5 – 11, 2025
Dear SMART Members and Friends, We’re pleased to report a very quiet week with no emergency calls requiring response, giving our team a much-needed opportunity to rest after the busy
Weekly Incident Report April 28 – May 4, 2025
Marine animal rescue updates including turtle transports, seal interventions, and dolphin response. Learn about recent stranding events, public safety warnings, and volunteer activities along our coastline. Stay informed about marine conservation efforts and safety protocols for wildlife encounters.
Weekly Incident Report April 14-20, 2025
Dear SMART Members and Friends, This past week was relatively quiet until Good Friday, when we faced a concerning situation involving a distressed seal and public interference. Here’s our full
SMART Weekly Incident Report 7–13 April 2025
Dolphin release, green turtle found, and a sick seal shows worrying neurological symptoms.
Weekly Incident Report 31 March – 6 April 2025
Turtle rescues, seal recovery, and a heartfelt debrief for whale stranding volunteers.