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.Â
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: January 19-25, 2026
Dear SMART Members and Friends, This week brought us routine monitoring, a dramatic entanglement rescue requiring multi-agency cooperation, and the arrival of a special visitor who may be staying for
Weekly Incident Report: January 12-18, 2026
Dear SMART Members and Friends, A very quiet week following last Friday’s separate seal and dolphin incidents, but with important developments regarding rabies testing results. CONFIRMED: Rabies-Positive Seal at Kleinbrak
Weekly Incident Report: December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Dear SMART Members and Friends, Welcome to 2026! A new year brings new challenges, and hopefully lots of goodwill as well. The Posing Male: New Year’s Eve Star Tuesday, December
Weekly Incident Report: December 22-28, 2025
Dear SMART Members and Friends, A quieter week for rescues, but certainly no rest for our dedicated Smarties as we ramped up public education during the peak holiday season! Public
Weekly Incident Report: December 15-21, 2025
Dear SMART Members and Friends, A busy week with seals dominating our rescue activities, including one persistent pup who clearly enjoyed the HAH hospitality! The Persistent Pup: A Four-Time Visitor
Weekly Incident Report: November 24-30, 2025
Dear SMART Members and Friends, Pup season continues at full intensity, keeping our volunteers on the run with multiple rescues and the logistical challenges of returning healthy pups to Seal