MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Since the humpback whale beached at Great Brak River in June, the necessity of a working group to deal with stranded marine life in and around Mossel Bay was highlighted.
A meeting with possible role players followed where ideas and expertise were discussed to establish a protocol on for rescue operations. The safety of humans must remain a priority regardless of the situation. The first meeting was attended by 33 interested parties.
At a follow-up meeting on 9 September it was decided to divide marine life into four categories. An expert will next lead the different groups and training will be follow on how to deal with emergencies involving marine life.
The different categories and contact persons are: mammals (Whales, Dolphins, Seals) - Craig Viljoen (082 665 3770); seabirds and penguins - Carol Walton (082 364 3382); reptiles (sea turtles) - Amanda Human (082 321 1282); sharks - Enrico Gennari/Oceans Research (076 215 3360).
Report a stranded sea life to Eden Disaster Management on 044 805 5071 (24 hours), NSRI Mossel Bay on 082 990 5954, or the Garden Route SPCA Mossel Bay branch on either 072 287 1761(24 hours) or 044 693 0824.
An information brochure soon follow with relevant contact numbers and procedures. Anyone interested in attending training workshops should contact the above contact numbers.
Related articles:
- Mutilated whale shark washes up
- Beached whale stirs up a storm
- Update: Whale carcass to be removed soon
- Update: Beached whale in Great Brak
- Beached whale: Rescue mission abandoned
- Update: Rescue mission to save beached whale
- Rescue mission to save beached whale
ARTICLE: TERSIA MARAIS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER CORRESPONDENT
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