Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team

16/06/2026

Dolphin Recorded at Dana Bay

Today, 16 June, SMART volunteers responded to a report of a deceased adult Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin on Dana Bay beach.

Volunteers attended the scene to collect biological data and conduct measurements. Due to the incoming tide, assistance was needed to move the dolphin higher up the beach. A sincere thank you to local anglers Brendall Prins and Devon Hermanus for their help.

A special highlight of the response was meeting cousins Luke, Leeroy and Calum, who were excited to see the SMART team after we visited their school last year as part of our marine conservation education programme.

The dolphin measured 2.33 metres in length and had sustained serious bite injuries to the caudal peduncle(the head), the area of the body just in front of the tail flukes.

There are two species of bottlenose dolphins: the Common Bottlenose Dolphin and the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin. The Indo-Pacific species occurs in the coastal waters of the eastern coast of Africa, the Red Sea, South China Sea and northern Australia. They are characterised by a dark grey back, a lighter grey to almost white underside, and often display grey spotting on the belly and sides.(Wikipedia)

SMART thanks all members of the public who report stranded marine animals. Your assistance plays an important role in marine conservation and research.
Call please 072 227 4715

12/06/2026

Dead Baby Dolphin Recovered at Herolds Bay

On Thursday, 11 June 2026, S.M.A.R.T. received a report of a deceased baby dolphin that had washed ashore on Herolds Bay Beach.
S.M.A.R.T. volunteers responded promptly and safely transported the dolphin to the organisation's freezer facility for preservation. The animal will be transferred to Dr. Greg Hofmeyr at Bayworld in Gqeberha, where a necropsy will be conducted to help determine the cause of death and contribute valuable information to ongoing marine conservation research.

A sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteers for their swift response and commitment to protecting and monitoring our marine wildlife.

,If members of the public encounter stranded marine animals, whether alive or deceased, please contact S.M.A.R.T immediately at 072 227 4715.
Early reporting is vital and can make a significant difference in rescue, rehabilitation, research, and conservation efforts.

10/06/2026

Building the Future of Marine Conservation Together!

📢 SMART Annual General Meeting 2026

All SMART members and interested members of the public are warmly invited to attend our Annual General Meeting.

Join us as we reflect on the achievements of the past year, present our financial report, discuss future projects, and elect a new management committee.

🐬 Your support, ideas, and participation help make a difference!

📅 Date: 27 June 2026
🕑 Time: 14:00
📍 Venue: Dias Museum Granary Hall, Mossel Bay

Light refreshments will be served after the meeting.

09/06/2026

World Oceans Day at the Dias Museum Mossel Bay

The Dias Museum celebrated World Oceans Day on 9 June 2026 with a variety of beautiful and informative exhibitions presented by several non-profit organisations.

Learners from local private schools attended the event and enjoyed engaging talks focused on the ocean, marine conservation, and the importance of protecting our marine environment. SMART was proud to be part of the day, sharing knowledge about marine animals and inspiring the next generation to care for our oceans.

A sincere thank you to the Dias Museum for providing us with the opportunity to educate and engage young people about marine life and ocean conservation.

Together, we can help build a future where our oceans and marine wildlife are protected and appreciated for generations to come.

Exhibitions will be at the Granary, Dias Museum, till 11th June 16.00

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

🚨Cape Fur Seal Pup Rescue – Hartenbos, This Morning.🚨
a Cape fur seal pup was spotted only a few meters from Elvis Brue on the terraces opposite De Branders in Hartenbos. Pushed inland by the stormy weather, though it wasn’t far from the ocean, the pup had wandered onto unfamiliar ground.
🌪🌊The Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (SMART) volunteers were there without hesitation - proving once again that they go out rain or shine, never afraid to protect marine life.🌪🌊
A huge thank you to Aubrie Olivier for sharing his footage with SMART, helping us bring this rescue to light.
The pup is now safe at the Hartenbos Animal Hospital, where it is receiving care and rest. 🚑🏥
Together, we show that every life matters, and every effort counts.

Team

01/06/2026

SMART at Probus Club 🐳
Another successful visit for the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) – this time sharing our mission and work with the members of the Probus Club at Santos Express.

The Probus Club Mossel Bay is a vibrant community of retired and semi retired business and professional people who meet regularly for fellowship, friendship, and intellectual engagement. We are deeply grateful for their warm invitation and the opportunity to speak about S.M.A.R.T.
🙏A big thank you as well for their donation to our cause — your support helps us continue protecting and rescuing stranded marine animals.
Thank you to our dedicated Smarties who attended: Tersia, Annalize, and Ursula. Your passion makes these moments possible.

Together, we continue to build awareness and inspire communities to care for our oceans and the incredible creatures that call it home.


🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓

SMART besoek Probus Club🐳
Nog ’n suksesvolle besoek vir die Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) – hierdie keer het ons ons missie en werk gedeel met die lede van die Probus Club by Santos Express.

Die Probus Club Mosselbaai is ’n gemeenskap van afgetrede en semi afgetrede sake en professionele mense wat gereeld bymekaarkom vir vriendskap, geselligheid en intellektuele betrokkenheid. Ons is opreg dankbaar vir die hartlike uitnodiging en die geleentheid om oor S.M.A.R.T. te praat.
🙏’n Groot dankie ook vir hul donasie – dit help ons om aan te hou gestrande see diere te beskerm en red. Julle ondersteuning beteken vir ons baie.

Dankie aan ons toegewyde Smarties Tersia, Annalize en Ursula wat kon bywoon – julle betrokkenheid maak sulke oomblikke moontlik.

Saam bou ons aan groter bewustheid en inspireer ons gemeenskappe om om te gee vir ons oseane en die wonderlike diere wat dit hul tuiste noem.

31/05/2026