An investigation is underway after an abnormally high number of seals – most of which are yearlings – were found washed up in Mossel Bay since severe weather and rough sea conditions started a few weeks ago.
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Shortly after the storm surges that ravaged the province over the Heritage Day long weekend, Mossel Bay Advertiser reported that more than 20 young seal carcasses were found washed up near Dias Beach, adding that more were washing up on the coastline.
Mossel Bay Municipality said 118 marine carcasses, including seals, have been disposed of between 18 September and 2 October.
It is believed that the seals were washed off Seal Island near Mossel Bay, where pups spend most of their early days.
In the most recent article, Val Marsh of the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) told the publication that there have been reports of between 50 and 60 seals washing up since the severe weather conditions a few weeks ago.
While the reason behind multiple seal carcasses washing up on the beach between Bay View and Dias remains unclear at this stage, Marsh speculates that seal pups make up the majority of carcasses as they are not that skilled when it comes to catching food or swimming.
‘With the high seas, they’ve been washed off the island and they are probably not able to cope with the heavy swells. If we had to do an autopsy on them I guess most of them would have drowned,’ said Marsh.
Members of the public have been urged to alert S.M.A.R.T on 072 227 4715 should they come across any carcasses that have yet to be removed and to refrain from approaching or touching them.
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Picture: NOAA / Unsplash
