Watch: Red tide causes lobster walkouts at Elands Bay
West Coast rock lobster washed ashore at Elands Bay following red tide conditions that triggered marine walkouts.
Image: Supplied
Red tide conditions along the West Coast have resulted in large marine walkouts and mortalities at Elands Bay, including significant numbers of West Coast rock lobster and other fish species.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) confirmed on Tuesday that algal bloom activity in and around Elands Bay had led to the strandings.
Authorities warned that washed-up lobster and fish are not safe for human consumption.
“The time of death of these cannot be confirmed. Exposure to algal toxins and bacterial contamination poses a serious health risk. Consumption may result in severe illness or death,” the department said.
Members of the public have been urged not to collect, sell or eat any stranded marine animals.
Red tide, a harmful algal bloom, can reduce oxygen levels in nearshore waters, creating hypoxic conditions that force species such as the West Coast rock lobster to leave the water in search of oxygen. While some animals can survive if moved quickly to stable conditions, others succumb to stress or oxygen depletion.
DFFE said it has activated its West Coast Rock Lobster Walkout Contingency Plan. Officials, working in collaboration with national, provincial and local authorities, are removing and relocating live lobsters to areas with stable oxygen levels, collecting and disposing of dead marine life, monitoring oxygen levels and algal activity, and conducting scientific assessments of affected stocks.
The department has also called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other agencies to assist in monitoring the situation to ensure order within the community.
Similar walkouts have occurred along the West Coast in previous years, particularly during late summer when harmful algal blooms intensify. During past incidents, authorities relocated live lobsters offshore and cautioned residents against collecting stranded seafood due to health risks and regulatory restrictions.
Environmental monitoring will continue as conditions evolve, with authorities prioritising public safety and the protection of lobster stocks.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus