Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team

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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.)

15/07/2025

S.M.A.R.T wants to acknowledge the support and assistance from Vic Bay resident Andre Boshoff, who walked many extra miles to help us keep Columbo the elephant seal safe. Andre became our early morning scout; before 7:00 he would receive a two word communication from us: ‘Nog daar?’ (‘Still there?’). For 41 days he sent a one-word reply: ‘Yes’. We then knew we’d have to organise a roster for our Smarties to work in shifts. But there’s more: at sundown he would remove the cones and carry them home to keep safe. By dawn he repositioned them to show where Columbo had moved to during the night. Andre, we salute your dedication to keeping this precious animal safe, even though you’re not an ‘official’ volunteer. You always had a smile, made us laugh at your ‘Seal rides’ poster and above all, we knew we could rely on you. A true conservation warrior!

14/07/2025

Columbo left Vic Bay
Beach!

Our 41 day learning curve while monitoring an elephant seal. Columbo hauled out on the 3rd June and settled down for a very long autumn/winter rest at Victoria Bay, a surfers’ paradise, tourist hot-spot, local and up-country visitors ‘must visit’ beach! Columbo was completely camouflaged between the rocks and it was imperative that he be monitored for his, and the publics’, safety.

SMART volunteers watched over him for 41 days, with help on 2 days from Oceans Research. During this time Columbo slept, yawned, scratched, roared, play-fought and bit rocks and tree trunks, and slept a lot more!

Concerned about the play-fighting behaviour Dr Greg Hofmeyr brought large traffic cones, and they became his new favourite toy.

Smarties monitored in sun, wind and rain, and spoke to hundreds of people about ellie seals in general and Columbo in particular.

A lot can, and does, happen in 41 days. A bakkie with passengers experienced brake-failure and sped down the hill, narrowly missing the restaurant deck, but completely demolishing the outdoor shower rotunda that surfers use. Columbo was very agitated by the noise of trucks and machines clearing the rubble. Inebriated people became verbally abusive about their right to walk where they want and go as close as they want, to a large wild animal.

A number of scientists, vets and seal specialists visited Columbo to assess his condition and behaviour. Emails were sent all over the world explaining his almost-obsessive attitude to inanimate objects and asking for advice. Almost unanimously the replies were against relocation to a quieter beach, definitely vehemently opposed to euthanasia, and encourament to let him rest at his own pace and time.

That turned out to be FORTY ONE days!!!! We have learnt the meaning of patience, perseverance and persistence. Columbo’s goofy smile and huge eyes have enchanted so many people; he has touched many hearts, has been photographed countless times and left a lasting impression on all who saw him. Head south, big lad, swim strongly and enjoy some good seafood!

12/07/2025

It’s now been 40 days since Columbo, the elephant seal, chose Victoria Bay as his resting spot. While his presence has brought much joy and fascination, we sadly need to address a serious concern. 🦭

There have been incidents of harassment by certain members of the public. We wish to remind everyone that Columbo is a wild animal who requires space, peace, and rest. Disturbing him is not only unethical - it’s also a criminal offence under marine wildlife protection laws. ‼️

We are working closely with law enforcement and conservation authorities to ensure Columbo’s safety. Anyone found interfering with or harassing him will be reported and may face legal action. 👮

🙏🏻 Please:
• Keep your distance (at least 20–30 metres)
• Keep dogs on leads
• Do not shout, touch, or attempt to feed him
• Respect any signage or barriers in place

Thank you to everyone who continues to share in the wonder of Columbo respectfully. Together, we can ensure he remains safe during his stay. 💙

30/06/2025

Yesterday, Dr Greg Hofmeyr from Bayworld Museum Marine Mammals visited Victoria Bay to check on Columbo, the elephant seal who has been resting on the beach for some time now. We’re grateful for his expert assessment and are currently in discussions to determine the best course of action going forward, always prioritising Columbo’s wellbeing.🦭

We kindly ask the public to continue keeping a respectful distance and not to approach him. Although Columbo may appear relaxed, human interference can be very stressful and potentially harmful to him. 💙

Thank you to everyone who has shown such care and concern. Your cooperation plays a vital role in helping us protect our visiting marine wildlife. 🙏🏻

Photo Credit: Tersia Marais

27/06/2025

We’re incredibly honoured to be nominated for Best Community Organisation in the Professional Services category of Best of Mossel Bay!💙

This recognition means the world to us, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing community. If you believe in the work S.M.A.R.T. does to protect and educate about our coastal wildlife, we’d be so grateful for your vote.🌊

Please take a moment to vote for us using the link below - every vote truly counts!👇🏼

🔗 https://www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/mossel-bay/bom-voting-category-services/

Thank you to everyone who nominated us - your support inspires us to keep making a difference!🙏🏻

Video by: Michael de Nobrega

25/06/2025

World Oceans Day Awareness 🌊

Join us for a day of fun, learning, and ocean appreciation!

📍 The Point, Mossel Bay
📅 Saturday, 28 June 2025
🕙 10:00 – 14:00

Address

Mosselbaai

Website

http://www.s-m-a-r-t.org.za/

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