Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team, Mossel Bay (2025)

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.)

16/09/2025

Join us on Saturday, 11 October 2025 as we celebrate a decade of dedication, passion, and teamwork with the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.). This special evening will be filled with reflection, celebration, and community spirit.

🎟 Tickets: R450 p/p
Limited seats available – book early to avoid disappointment!
You may reserve:
• A full table (8 or 10 seater)
• Individual seats

🌟 Highlights of the evening:
✔ A mini-auction featuring artwork, exclusive wines, accommodation packages, memorable excursions and more.
✔ A lucky draw with exciting prizes for a few fortunate guests.

💳 Payment Details:
Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T)
FNB Cheque Acc – 627 1875 1028
Branch – 250655
Reference: Gala + Your Surname

📧 Please email proof of payment to: [email protected]

Let’s raise a toast to 10 years of rescuing, protecting and making a difference. We look forward to celebrating with you! 💙🐢🐬

A big thank you to Nicolas Coetsee for this awesome video!🙏🏻

Send a message to learn more

15/09/2025

🌊 INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY 2025
📅 Date: 20 September 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Venue: Hartenbos (we'll be stationed near the Hartenbos River mouth until approximately 12:00)

We are proud to be working alongside Mossel Bay Conservancy this year as we take action to protect our coastline. Every piece of litter counts, from paper and cigarette butts to bits of glass, plastic bottle tops and lollipop sticks.

Volunteers will receive data sheets to record the items they collect. At the end of the clean-up, the completed forms will be handed over to Grootbrak Conservancy to contribute to national coastal data records.

💛 Yellow bags and data sheets will be provided.

Together We Can Make Waves. 🌊

Thank you for helping us protect our marine life and beaches! 🙏🏻

05/09/2025

Sea turtles sometimes wash up on our beaches. They may be sick, injured, or too weak to survive on their own and the wrong action could cost them their lives. 💚

As September begins, it potentially marks the start of “green season”, when larger sea turtles often strand along our coastline. 🐢

If you find a sea turtle on the beach:

✅ DO
• Call S.M.A.R.T. immediately: 072 227 4715. We will ensure every turtle gets the proper care, treatment if needed, and a safe release back to the ocean when it’s ready.
• Keep the turtle safe, shaded, and away from dogs or curious onlookers.
• Follow instructions from the rescue team — they will guide you step by step.

❌ DON’T
• Never put the turtle back into the sea. If it’s weak or sick, it could drown.
• Don’t try to feed it or pour water over it.
• Don’t delay in reporting - every second counts.

📢 Please share this post widely in your local groups and communities. Together, we can give every stranded turtle the best chance of survival. 🙏🏻

03/09/2025

Join us on Saturday, 11 October 2025 as we celebrate a decade of dedication, passion, and teamwork with the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.). This special evening will be filled with reflection, celebration, and community spirit.

🎟 Tickets: R450 p/p
Limited seats available – book early to avoid disappointment!
You may reserve:
• A full table (8 or 10 seater)
• Individual seats

🌟 Highlights of the evening:
✔ A mini-auction featuring artwork, exclusive wines, accommodation packages, memorable excursions and more.
✔ A lucky draw with exciting prizes for a few fortunate guests.

💳 Payment Details:
FNB Cheque Acc – 627 1875 1028
Branch – 250655
Reference: Gala + Your Surname

📧 Please email proof of payment to: [email protected]

Let’s raise a toast to 10 years of rescuing, protecting and making a difference. We look forward to celebrating with you! 💙🐢🐬

Address

Mossel Bay

Website

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

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Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team