The plight of Plett's seal population

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Emotions have been running high among beachgoers in Plettenberg Bay as large numbers of seals have been washing up on the town's beaches.

Experts have however quelled concerns, stating that this was an annual occurrence brought on by rough sea conditions and the coinciding pupping season among seals.

Over the past week beachgoers have been met by grisly scenes on various beaches with seal carcasses strewn across the sand. In between, people have also come across live seals stranded on the beach.

In collaboration with various environmental groups, the ones found alive are rescued and receive the necessary medical care before being released back into the wild.

One of these organisations is the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre. Owner Mandy Freeman said that these strandings happen annually at this time of the year.

She said most pups born during the current season are too weak to manage in the water. If rough sea conditions, like the conditions experienced in the area over the last week, are added to the mix, they often get knocked off the rocks and are swept away. Many do not survive, but some plucky seals manage to get to shore where they can be rescued.

Freeman said most of the seals washing up in the area are pups. "There are some adults too, but these are as a result of injury," Freeman explained. She added it was crucial to react to any stranding swiftly to increase their chances of survival.

The stranded pups would be hydrated immediately and then other issues would be attended to. "A lot of them swallow water and this needs to be addressed."

Seal pups that have been stranded on one of Bitou's beaches.

After receiving a clean bill of health, the pups are returned to their colony as swiftly as possible to increase reacceptance by their mothers. She said the local business Offshore Adventures has been very supportive of their efforts and has taken dozens of seals back to the colony along the Robberg Peninsula.

So far, more than 23 seals have been rescued and released. The recent strandings have also raised some issues on how to handle the situation, especially by passers-by.

"It is highly emotional when you come across an injured animal. The best way to deal with it is to keep your distance, contact the relevant authorities and to keep other animals like dogs away from the stranded animal."

Seals could bite their rescuers out of fear and frustration and could pose serious danger to those close to them.

For strandings, the Plett Stranding Network can be contacted on 079 463 4837. In the meantime the Bitou Municipality has been collecting and assisting with the disposal of the seal carcasses.

Seal carcasses along one of Bitou's beaches after large numbers strandings in the area. Photos: Sune Coetzee