S.M.A.R.T
Guardians of Mossel Bay's Marine Life
The crashing waves along Mossel Bay’s picturesque coastline carry more than the endless rumble of the ocean’s power. Too often, they reveal marine mammals in distress – injured, stranded, or simply lost. When these precious animals need a hero, the S.M.A.R.T team answers the call.
S.M.A.R.T, or the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team, is a registered non-profit company driven by passion and purpose.
Since 2015, our dedicated volunteers have been the guardians of Mossel Bay’s marine mammals, rushing to the aid of whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles caught in peril.
But we don’t just react to emergencies – we’re proactive protectors.
Our primary mission is the rescue, preservation, conservation, and welfare of these amazing creatures along every inch of Mossel Bay’s coastline from Gouritsmond to Wilderness.
S.M.A.R.T operates under the authority of the Department of, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DEFF) 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.
Our tightly-knit team comprises passionate locals from all walks of life, united by a shared love for Mossel Bay’s rich marine biodiversity.
Guided by our skilled veterinarian, we have the expertise to provide emergency interventions and rehabilitate injured animals whenever possible before returning them to their ocean home.
Time is always critical during a stranding.
Through a finely-tuned system, sightings are rapidly reported to our 24/7 emergency hotline, triggering an alert on our volunteer WhatsApp group.
Within moments, our trained first-responders are deploying to the scene, updated in real-time on the situation’s urgency.
With calm professionalism, we stabilse the animals and transport them to our veterinary facility if further care is required.
Mossel Bay’s marine mammals face countless threats – accidents, environmental hazards, even malicious harm.
By being their voice, S.M.A.R.T is committed to changing this tragic reality one rescue at a time.
But we can’t do it alone…
Become a Voice for Mossel Bay's Marine Mammals
Become a part of our mission today. Join our crew of volunteers providing a vital service to our ocean-going friends. Support us financially to secure more resources. Or simply spread awareness about our critical work. Together, we can ensure Mossel Bay’s waters remain a safe haven for marine life for generations to come.
The ocean’s call for help can’t go unanswered. Will you join S.M.A.R.T in protecting our precious marine mammals? The future of Mossel Bay’s incredible natural heritage is in our hands.
