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 | 6 – 12 April 2026
A demanding week of sustained monitoring, a difficult capture operation in extreme heat, and an emotional outcome. A lethargic seal
Weekly Incident Report | 30 March – 5 April 2026
A welcome change of pace — just one rescue call this week, and a bumper week for public outreach. With
Weekly Incident Report | 23 – 29 March 2026
A difficult week. The critically ill loggerhead from last Sunday did not survive, and a second neurologically symptomatic seal pup
Weekly Incident Report | 16 – 22 March 2026
An eventful week bookended by two remarkable animals. The week opened with a visit to Zenith, the elephant seal bull
Weekly Incident Report | 9 – 15 March 2026
Business as (un)usual this week. A challenging dual-rescue on Tuesday involving a neurologically affected Cape Fur Seal pup and a
Weekly Incident Report: March 2 – March 8, 2026
A quiet week, for which we are grateful. Two incidents required response — a after-dark seal welfare check on Tuesday