Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team

Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team The Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) was established in 2015 as a non-profit company (NPC).

It consists of a group of volunteers who are passionate about the safety, survival, and care of stranded marine animals. About the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T)

The Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) is a non-profit company (NPC) consisting of volunteers who are passionate about marine and stranded animals along our coastlines. Our team covers the area from Wilderness

to Mossel Bay and beyond. We are dedicated to helping any animal in distress or danger and rely on the public to contact us or report any cases. 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. S.M.A.R.T is a non-profit company with founders Dr. Frans De Graaff(Veteranian), Anton Dellemijn, Tersia Marais and directors Ig van der Merwe and Val Marsh. Our approach to handling marine strandings, such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles, is as follows:

The public, SPCA, emergency services, SAPS, etc., report strandings to our emergency number:
072 227 4715
The message is then posted in a WhatsApp group, and available personnel are dispatched to the site. Feedback on the nature and severity of the stranding is communicated within the WhatsApp group. Animals are taken to Dr. Frans for treatment and released as soon as possible if possible. As a non-profit company (NPC), all donations are welcome to help us purchase much-needed equipment and branding materials. Our banking details are as follows:

Bank: FNB Cheque Account
Name: Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team
Account Number: 627 1875 1028
Branch: 250655
Reference: Your name or company name
Please do not make cash transfers. If you make a donation, please send a payment notification to [email protected] so we can thank you properly! (A tax certificate can be issued for corporate donations.)

This afternoon, our volunteers responded to reports of a sick Cape fur seal at Santos Beach, Mossel Bay. Upon arrival, t...
12/11/2025

This afternoon, our volunteers responded to reports of a sick Cape fur seal at Santos Beach, Mossel Bay. Upon arrival, the animal was observed displaying neurological symptoms consistent with a possible rabies infection. 🦠

Following consultation with the necessary professionals and authorities, it was determined that the seal required intervention. The animal was safely captured by the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay, with S.M.A.R.T. volunteers assisting on site. The seal was then transported to the Hartenbos Dierehospitaal / Animal Hospital, where it was assessed by a veterinarian and humanely euthanised. The seal will now be tested for rabies. 🦭

We would like to remind the public that seals are wild animals and can pose a health risk when unwell or disoriented. Please avoid approaching or touching any seal you may encounter. Instead, report sightings of sick or stranded marine animals to the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team 072 227 4715. 🙏🏻

With the Ironman event approaching and more people expected along our coastline, we urge all beachgoers to remain vigilant and respectful of our marine wildlife. Your awareness helps protect both people and animals. ‼️

Much appreciation goes to the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay. Special mention to Field Officers Luciano Bayi, Wally Wagenaar, Kurt Remas, and Inspector Themba Malinga.

Video Credit: Maruschka Maree
Photo Credit: Michael de Nobrega

06/11/2025

It’s that time of year when Cape Fur Seal pups may be found washed up on our beaches. This is a vulnerable period for these young animals, and your awareness can make a life-saving difference. 🦭

If you come across a seal pup:
✅ Keep your distance
✅ Do not touch or attempt to move the animal
✅ Do not put it back into the ocean
✅ Contact Us Immediately

Our team is ready to assist and ensure these pups receive the care they need. 💪🏼

Thank you to everyone who continues to look out for our coastal wildlife. Your support helps protect the precious marine life along our shores 🫶

📞 SMART Emergency Hotline: 072 227 4715

29/10/2025

Today we monitored a Cape fur seal yearling at The Point, resting and swimming in The Poort. He’s exhibiting normal behaviour and there’s no cause for concern. Please be mindful and give this beautiful animal plenty of space when you’re in the area. Thank you! 💙🦭

Video: Michael de Nobrega

Mossel Bay’s coastline is home to a thriving colony of Cape fur seals. They are a wonderful part of our marine ecosystem...
19/10/2025

Mossel Bay’s coastline is home to a thriving colony of Cape fur seals. They are a wonderful part of our marine ecosystem, but it’s important to remember that they can carry rabies. Knowing how to respond when you encounter a seal helps protect both you and the animals.

🔹 If you see a seal while swimming:
🚨 Stay calm and leave the water slowly, avoid splashing or sudden movements.
🚨 Never approach or attempt to interact with the seal.
🚨 If you’re bitten or scratched, seek medical help immediately and report the incident.

🔹 If you come across a live seal on the beach:
✅ Keep a safe distance.
✅ Do not touch, feed, or try to move the seal.
✅ Keep dogs and children well away.
✅ Report the sighting to S.M.A.R.T. on 072 227 4715.

🔹 If you find a dead seal:
📌 Do not touch or attempt to move it. Rabies can still pose a risk after death.
📌 Report the carcass to Mossel Bay Municipality at 044 606 5000 or the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) on 044 606 5159 for safe collection.

📸 Photo Credit: Michael de Nobrega

SMART says thank you to Point High School!For decades, it has been a proud tradition for the Matric Class of Point High ...
18/10/2025

SMART says thank you to Point High School!

For decades, it has been a proud tradition for the Matric Class of Point High School to jump into the Poort wearing their school uniforms. This was also planned for Thursday, but unexpected rain, strong waves, and a Cape Fur Seal swimming in the Poort prevented the jump from taking place.

Due to current rabies concerns among seals, the staff of Point High decided it was safer for the learners to swim at Santos Beach instead.

What matters most to SMART is that we, as Mossel Bay residents, continue to show respect for our marine animals, such as Cape Fur Seals. We are blessed with many beautiful beaches to enjoy safely, and SMART would like to thank Point High School for their wise and responsible decision on Thursday!

The same seal was also seen again yesterday on the rocks, and SMART volunteers have been monitoring him.









Photos of Cape Fur Seals: Maruschka Maree
Other photos: SMARTies

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