Elands bay: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a warning to the public regarding the consumption of washed-up lobster and fish, declaring them unsafe for human consumption.
According to South African Government News Agency, red tide conditions along Elands Bay in the West Coast have led to significant marine walkouts and mortalities, particularly affecting West Coast Rock Lobster (kreef) and other fish species in the area. The department has stated that the exact time of death for these marine animals cannot be confirmed, and exposure to algal toxins and bacterial contamination poses serious health risks. The public is strongly advised against collecting, selling, or consuming any stranded marine animals due to the potential for severe illness or even death.
The DFFE has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other agencies to help monitor the situation and maintain community order. In response to the crisis, the department has activated the West Coast Rock Lobster Walkout Contingency Plan. This involves collaboration with various national, provincial, and local authorities to undertake several critical actions: 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 marine stocks.