⚠️ CRITICAL ALERT — HPAI Confirmed in Marine Mammal: The CFS captured at the Point in early April has tested positive for HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza). This animal also tested positive for rabies. The HPAI confirmation in a Cape Fur Seal is a first for a marine mammal — a landmark and deeply concerning finding with implications for all coastal areas. All volunteers must maintain strict biosecurity protocols when handling any marine mammal.
Weekly Summary
An eventful and at times harrowing week. A Bryde’s whale carcass at Gwaing River mouth dominated much of the week — battling storm conditions, treacherous terrain, irresponsible public access, and ultimately an inaccessible location. A seal with a serious neck laceration remains unassessed. The HPAI confirmation in a Cape Fur Seal is a historic and sobering development. Another cold front is on its way.
Incident — CFS on Rocks, Delfinos (The Point)
📍 Location: Delfinos, The Point 📅 Date: Monday 4 May 👤 Responders: Louis
- A Cape Fur Seal was reported resting on the rocks at Delfinos. Louis monitored the animal until it returned to the sea of its own accord.
🦦 Outcome: No intervention required. Seal returned to sea.
Incident — Bryde’s Whale Carcass, Gwaing River Mouth (Multi-day)
📍 Location: Gwaing River Mouth 📅 Date: Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 May 👤 Responders: Val; Gerrit, Marietjie, Nico, Lize, Nolan, Val
- Tuesday 5 May: social media alerted SMART to a dead whale at the Gwaing River mouth. Val responded but high tide prevented close access. Drone footage circulating on social media was clear enough to identify the animal as a Bryde’s whale. During the night the carcass washed back out to sea.
- Thursday 7 May: the campsite manager reported that the carcass had restranded to the left of the river mouth, in a very rocky area. Severe storm conditions and heavy rain made it impossible to reach or assess.
- Saturday 9 May: with the weather improving, six volunteers — Gerrit, Marietjie, Nico, Lize, Nolan and Val — attempted to reach the whale to collect samples and data. Despite hectic rock-climbing, the carcass proved unreachable. Viewed from the steep cliffs above, it was clear the location was Mission Impossible.
🐋 Outcome: Carcass inaccessible. No samples collected. Sincere thanks to the six volunteers who went to great heights — literally — in the attempt. Their efforts are deeply appreciated.
Public Safety — Reckless Access to Whale Carcass
- Despite the extreme danger posed by the terrain and the health risks of a decomposing carcass, members of the public arrived during the day to view the whale. The campsite manager sent SMART photographs of this irresponsible behaviour.
- The road to the beach was closed. SMART contacted local media and social media groups to issue a public warning. Within an hour the alert had been shared widely.
- For full details and photographs, please visit the SMART Facebook page, the Mossel Bay Advertiser, and the George Herald.
🚨 Public Warning: Approaching whale carcasses is dangerous and illegal. Decomposing marine mammals carry serious disease risks. Please do not approach — report sightings to SMART and keep a safe distance.
Incident — Seal with Neck Laceration, Seeplaas / Suiderkruis
📍 Location: Seeplaas / Suiderkruis 📅 Date: Friday 8 – Saturday 9 May 👤 Responders: Michelle
- A young seal with a serious laceration to the neck area was reported at Seeplaas on Friday and again at Suiderkruis on Saturday. The injury may have been caused by entanglement.
- On both occasions the seal returned to the water before volunteer Michelle could get close enough to assess the wound.
🔴 Status: Ongoing — seal not yet assessed. Volunteers on alert for further sightings. If spotted, please contact SMART immediately.
Confirmed — HPAI in Cape Fur Seal: Uncharted Waters
- Dr Frans de Graaff received confirmation this week that the Cape Fur Seal captured at the Point in early April tested positive for HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza).
- This animal had previously tested positive for rabies. The dual positive — and specifically the HPAI result — represents a first confirmed case in a marine mammal. We are in uncharted territory.
- The implications for marine mammal health along our coastline, and for the safety of responders, are significant. All volunteers are reminded that strict protocol adherence is not optional — it is critical.
🦠 Biosecurity Reminder: Full PPE must be worn for all seal interactions. No exceptions. Report any sick or unusual-behaving seals to SMART before approaching. This finding changes the risk landscape for all coastal responders.
Weather Watch — Another Cold Front Incoming
- The team has taken a battering this week from severe storms. A further cold front is forecast and SMART is praying for a less intense passage.
- All volunteers are asked to remain on standby and stay safe. Warm, dry, and alert — that is the brief for the week ahead.
Stay warm and safe — till next week. 🐾