A single dead white mussel lies washed up on the shoreline, one of several marine species affected by recent red tide activity along the coast. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has renewed its warning to the public to avoid consuming shellfish and washed-up marine life as red tides continue to affect parts of the West and South coasts. In an update issued on Sunday, January 4, the department confirmed that the earlier incident in which large numbers of dead white mussels, whelks and other shellfish washed ashore has remained confined to St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai on the West Coast.
Observations by Fisheries Control Officers and satellite imagery indicate visible red tides extending from Elandsbaai northwards for about 100km to beyond the Olifants Estuary. While no fish or shellfish mortalities have been reported in association with these newly visible blooms, the department stressed that the risk of toxicity remains high. “All shellfish, irrespective of being washed out or collected from shore or subtidal, should not be eaten,” the DFFE warned.
Satellite image of chlorophyll concentrations on the West Coast 2 December 2026. Cloud cover resulted in zero visibility and imagery on 3 December 2026. Satellite imagery and reports from members of the public and fisheries officials have also confirmed a visible red tide in Walker Bay near Hermanus.
Read Full Article on Cape Argus
[paywall]
This red tide is bioluminescent, with phytoplankton producing flashes of light at night. No fish or shellfish mortalities have been reported in this area, but authorities said a precautionary approach remains necessary, advising that no shellfish be collected or eaten.
[/paywall]
