Following a storm that brought unprecedented rainfall to the Western Cape, a multitude of endangered seahorses, as well as abalone and other shellfish, washed up on Lookout Beach in Plettenberg Bay, prompting a quick response from Cape Nature officials and the community.
According to Bloomberg News, the International Union for Conservation of Nature recognises these seahorses, known as Knysna seahorses, as one of the most critically endangered seahorse species in the world.
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In conversation with IOL, Petro van Rhyn of Cape Nature explained that torrential downpours triggered a flood in the Keurboomsriver and Bitou River on Tuesday, causing the seahorses to be washed out.
While fish and rock lobsters managed to navigate offshore to escape the altered conditions, the more sluggish seahorses and other creatures were not as fortunate.
van Rhyn explained, ‘They were stranded on Wednesday morning just after low tide. The big swell on Thursday also perpetuated the situation, and they got washed out of the mouth into a current, and then the waves deposited them onto the beach. The same phenomenon occurred on Thursday.’
Bloomberg News reported that, in response to the distress call, the local community rallied under the guidance of Cape Nature officials. Volunteers were equipped with buckets and given instructions on how to safely rescue the delicate and reclusive creatures.
Seahorses were reportedly found in various states, some still struggling in the surf, others damp on the grass and some already dried out.
According to van Rhyn, 1 004 seahorses were collected by volunteers, with 706 successfully returning to the safety of the ocean.
She told IOL that 94 seahorses were found deceased but would be preserved in a freezer for research purposes.
van Rhyn emphasised that the Knysna seahorse is undeniably a national treasure deserving of preservation and protection.
Cape Nature extended its gratitude to all those who played a role in rescuing these stranded creatures:
‘We did not even ask for help, but the news of the stranded seahorses spread like wildfire on social media and among local people, who obviously have a concern for this precious species. The public action was incredible, and it was a great combination of many people showing up and many people showing up at the right time. With this interaction, we could find so many more seahorses. We absolutely commend the public and their actions. It was a huge community effort.’