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.)

Cape fur seal pups are still washing up along our coastline. Many of these little ones can still be saved, but only with...
04/12/2025

Cape fur seal pups are still washing up along our coastline. Many of these little ones can still be saved, but only with the right help and responsible behaviour from the public. 🦭

✅ DO:

• Keep a safe distance. Give the pup space to breathe and rest.
• Contact the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team immediately.
Provide location, condition, and a photo if possible.
• Keep dogs and children away from the animal.
• Stay calm and keep noise to a minimum.
• Wait for trained responders. We will assess, stabilise, and transport safely.

❌ DON’T:

• Do NOT touch, pick up, or move the pup.
• Do NOT push it back into the water.
• Do NOT give food or water.
• Do NOT crowd around the animal or try to “rescue” it yourself.
• Do NOT post the exact location publicly — this can attract crowds. Contact us directly.

🌊 Why your actions matter:

Cape fur seal pups are extremely vulnerable. The wrong action, even with good intentions, can cause fatal stress or injury. With your help, we can give each stranded pup the best possible chance at survival.

📞 Report Strandings Immediately

Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team
📱 072 227 4715

💙 Please share this post to help protect Mossel Bay’s marine wildlife.

Your awareness saves lives.

Please share to all friends and groups!The last raffle and Fund Raiser for S.M.A.R.T 2025! (All info is on the photo.)Co...
25/11/2025

Please share to all friends and groups!
The last raffle and Fund Raiser for S.M.A.R.T 2025!
(All info is on the photo.)
Competition close 30 November 2025

Pup season is in full swing and today definitely kept us on our toes. We managed to rescue six Cape fur seal pups, and w...
21/11/2025

Pup season is in full swing and today definitely kept us on our toes. We managed to rescue six Cape fur seal pups, and we’re happy to share that two have already been safely returned to Seal Island. 🦭

A huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers, the members of the public who reported and assisted, the amazing team at the Hartenbos Dierehospitaal / Animal Hospital, and Enrico Gennari and his team for taking the pups back to Seal Island. Your teamwork and dedication make all the difference. 🙏🏻

Together, we’re giving these little ones the best chance at survival. 💙

At 13:39 today we received an alert about an entangled Cape fur seal in the Gouritz area. The team responded immediately...
21/11/2025

At 13:39 today we received an alert about an entangled Cape fur seal in the Gouritz area. The team responded immediately, and by 14:50 the young yearling was safely rescued and freed from a piece of fishing net tightly snagged around its neck. 🦭

Fantastic teamwork by everyone involved! Swift action that made all the difference for this little seal’s future. 👏🏻

This rescue is also an important reminder of the ongoing impact of discarded fishing gear on our marine wildlife. Every report, every call, and every bit of awareness helps us protect these animals and keep our coastline safer. 💙

A special thank you to junior SMARTie & photographer Miguel for capturing this great photo and video of the rescue! 🎥

A big thank you to the Health and Safety Department of Life Bayview Hospital for their generous donation of R2100, recei...
18/11/2025

A big thank you to the Health and Safety Department of Life Bayview Hospital for their generous donation of R2100, received last week.🙏🏻

They held a boerewors roll braai, took orders, and raised the funds on our behalf, all without us knowing! It was a complete and wonderful surprise.♥️

Your contribution comes at the perfect time, as the much-needed funds will go towards replacing our damaged teardrop banners.🥳

We are truly grateful for your support and for helping us continue the work we do. 🌊

Yesterday, our team responded to our first Cape fur seal pup rescue of the season. The little one was found exhausted an...
17/11/2025

Yesterday, our team responded to our first Cape fur seal pup rescue of the season. The little one was found exhausted and vulnerable on the beach, but thanks to the quick actions of the public and our trained responders, the pup is now safe and receiving the care it needs.

As pup season begins, we expect to see more of these young seals in need of help. Here’s what to do if you find a stranded pup:

👉 DO keep your distance.
👉 DO keep dogs away.
👉 DON’T try to put the pup back into the water.
👉 DON’T feed or pour water on the animal.
👉 DO call us immediately.
📞 Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team Hotline: 072 227 4715
Share the location, condition, and if possible, a photo from a safe distance.

Every call helps us protect these vulnerable animals. Thank you to everyone who keeps a lookout and supports our work! 💙🦭

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

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Mossel Bay

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