DFFE warns of red tides and pollution on coast of W. Cape

THE Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has warned the public against consuming shellfish and washed-out marine life as red tide continues to affect parts of SA’s Western Cape coast.

- BY XOLILE MTEMBU

In an update issued on Sunday, 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.

According to the department, observations by Fisheries Control Officers and satellite imagery show visible red tides stretching from Elandsbaai northwards for about 100 kilometres north of the Olifants Estuary.

While no fish or shellfish mortalities have been linked to these blooms, the department warned that the health risks remain significant.