- A juvenile humpback whale carcass was discovered on Long Beach in Simon’s Town, raising concerns about the cause of death.
- Marine scientists believe a large parasite infestation might have contributed to its illness.
- Authorities remind the public to avoid approaching whales, as such interactions can disturb marine life.
The washed-up carcass of a young humpback whale on Long Beach in Simon’s Town has left questions on the possible cause of death.
On Tuesday 15 October, authorities received information of a whale carcass washed ashore.
Scientists from the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit attended the scene and confirmed it to be a female juvenile humpback whale.
According to Chris Wilkinson from the MRI Whale Unit, a large hold of parasites on the whale’s body may be an indication that it was sick before it died.
“Healthy whales don’t have such a large parasite hold,” he said. “It was a juvenile female humpback whale that was later identified as coming from the Gansbaai area.”
Whalés baleen plates
He requested that anyone who may have found the whale’s baleen plates to contact the MRI.
“If anyone finds the baleen plates washed ashore on one of the peninsula Atlantic beaches (western side), please contact the MRI whale unit,” he said.
“These baleen plates hold no value, however, form a scientific history of the whales feeding and growth, much like the rings on a tree – in a way.”
He further urged boats, surfers and drones to steer clear of whales.
Local photographer Nigel Riley, who captured images of the carcass last week, said the remains were removed by 11:00.
“I arrived at the beach at around 09.30 and the South Easter was very strong,” he said. “Authorities mentioned that it did not seem that the whale was from pods in the vicinity as its tail is like a landmark, how you can identify a whale.”
Meanwhile, in a statement on Thursday 17 October, the City reminded residents to never approach whales or dolphins. “The City would like to remind all its residents and visitors that it is strictly against the law to approach any whale within 300 m. This includes by definition a person, vessel or aircraft including drones,” said Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews.
According to Andrews, numerous complaints have been received of people flouting the law.
“In the past week, we have received eleven complaints of people harassing whales and dolphins. We are also aware of social media posts of people purposefully approaching whales on kayaks and surf skis, boats and even swimming out to them. Such acts disturb these sea animals,” he said. “It can affect their feeding patterns and is especially impactful on moms with calves. Let us please respect our environmental laws.”
The City has a variety of whale species that occur along its coastline all year round. This year has seen very high numbers of humpback whales close to shore, both in False Bay and along the Atlantic Seaboard. This is a normal occurrence for this time of year and super groups are expected to come to the Atlantic Seaboard from this month until February next year.
“Cape Town is extraordinarily blessed with a very rich marine environment that supports a wide range of marine species, many consider to be iconic and charismatic,” said Andrews. “A number of Southern Right Whale mother-and-calf pairs are also being seen in places like Fish Hoek.”
The laws that prohibit interacting with or harassing environmental species fall under the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations under the National Environmental Management Act.
- Should members of the public wish to lodge complaints or report sightings of people harassing marine life, they may do so by emailing Gregg Oelofse, for coastal management and environmental management on Gregg.Oelofse@capetown.gov.za
