Department of Fisheries monitoring red tide on West Coast

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has warned the public not to eat marine animals washed up on beaches along the west and south coasts, as red tides make them toxic and pose serious health risks. 

Last week, the DFFE warned against consuming white mussels, whelks, and other shellfish at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai. 

A new red tide from Elandsbaai to the Olifants Estuary is also considered high risk, while Walker Bay near Hermanus remains a concern. 

READ: Public warned not to eat shellfish after red tide hits West Coast beaches

Further east, in Mossel Bay, a sewerage discharge has caused mass fish deaths in the Hartenbos Estuary. 

Department spokesperson Thobile Molobi says the department is closely monitoring the situation, which has caused shellfish wash-ups and fish mortalities along both coasts. 
 
"The department is continually monitoring the situation and the extent of the red tide which is what has caused this washout of the shellfish and the resultant mass mortalities on the west coast and south coast areas."