Tragedy on the shores of Cape beaches as thousands of fur seals wash up dead
Have you seen the pictures of the swarms of seals? It's not for sensitive viewers...
As lovers of the ocean, it is absolutely disheartening when we see the effects of man on our ocean life. As much as we are advocates for our underwater life, we humans cause a lot of harm to them with our unhealthy habits.
However, in this case, nothing has been confirmed in terms of the cause for thousands of dead fur seals being washed up on the Cape beaches. For those of you who are sensitive, we advise that you leave this blog now, as the images are heartbreaking.
Reports of thousands of fur seals washing up on the shores of Cape beaches have left many ocean advocates confused. It is definite that there is a cause that is more sinister than it just being a natural phenomenon.
"Organisations such as Sea Search, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, CapeNature, SANParks, the SPCA, Two Oceans and Shark Spotters, have put their heads together to find out why the West Coast’s favourite beaches are now sadly covered in dead seals." (MSN)
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The Sea Search Facebook page released a press release that shares some important information for the public. If they find a seal on the shore, they have been encouraged not to pick them up or approach them as they are strong animals and may bite out of fear.
They have also asked for help if any members of the public do come across them, to report their sighting with an image, date, and time stamp, so that the relevant authorities can account for them and it may help with their research.
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This time of the year is normally a period of high energy demand for Cape fur seals, and it is not abnormal for some animals to not survive: “Yearlings are now forced to fully wean and leave their mothers. Females are heavily pregnant, with pupping due to start in earnest in mid-November. Combined with strong south-easterly winds, we often see high numbers of dead youngsters on our beaches.
"Cape Town ETC reports that the deaths coincide with an avian flu outbreak that has wreaked havoc in the Western Cape over the last few weeks." (MSN)
WATCH the video below of what was found on the beaches last week. Please note that this is not for sensitive viewers.
Courtesy of Facebook:
Image Courtesy of Facebook