PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Beach goers along the Garden Route coastline, especially Plettenberg Bay, have been warned to be aware of toxic pufferfish and yellow-bellied sea snakes washing ashore.

Pufferfish, or blaasoppies, according to Priyanka Naidoo of Eco Explorer, are highly toxic due to tetrodotoxin, which can be fatal if ingested.

Yellow-bellied sea snakes are extremely venomous, though typically not aggressive, but can be life-threatening.

Naidoo said during the past week strong Easterly and Southerly onshore winds washed up hundreds of pufferfish and possibly yellow-bellied sea snakes in Plettenberg Bay.

A Facebook post by Lou-Ann Green from Gqeberha two days ago said her puppy chewed on a dead pufferfish and subsequently died.

Puffer fish (Blaasoppie)

“These marine creatures post significant risks to both humans and pets. However, they play an important role in our eco system,” said Naidoo.

“We should therefore not aim to harm them, but rather to avoid them on the odd occasion that we are in contact,” said Naidoo.

Any sightings must be reported immediately to Plett Stranding Hotline 079 463 4837.

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