Red tide warning for Southern Cape

A red tide is washing up on the Southern Cape coast and the district authority has called on the public to avoid eating any shellfish or stranded marine life in the area in case it has been infected.

The Garden Route district municipality said yesterday it was responding to several reports from affected spots along the coast.

“Public reports were received regarding this red tide phenomenon in the coastal waters along the Garden Route, indicating that the following areas are affected Storms River Mouth, Plettenberg Bay, Swartvlei Beach, Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Glentana and Vleesbaai in Mossel Bay.

“As a precautionary measure, the Garden Route district municipality’s disaster management centre is advising the public to refrain from consuming any shellfish or washed-up marine species.

“Marine water samples have been taken by the George municipality to identify the species of microscopic algae that is causing the red tide, but for now it looks like the species Noctiluca scintillans, which is a planktonic dinoflagellate that can cause bioluminescence at night and tint surface water reddish-orange.”

Red tides are a natural phenomenon caused by a dense build-up of microscopic algae.

“The algae species Noctiluca scintillans is not thought to be harmful to humans, but it is advisable to avoid eating any washed-up marine life, and to avoid collecting bivalves [oysters, clams and mussels] until the strain has been identified.”

“It is anticipated that the current red tide display will persist for several days.

“Ongoing analysis and monitoring of the situation will be prioritised to ensure public safety.”