Could the recent seal attacks be linked to toxic algae bloom?

The recent seal attacks could possibly be linked to toxic algae bloom. 

EXPERTS REPORTEDLY SAID THE SEAL ATTACKS COULD BE LINKED TO TOXIC ALGAE BLOOM

Experts have reportedly said their defensive behaviour is possibly linked to brain swelling brought on by domoic acid poisoning from a red tide algae bloom. 

Wildlife management programme coordinator of the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation, Brett Glasby, told Daily Maverick that there had been an increase in seal attacks since December. 

He said last year they had a mass die-off on our coastlines that was attributed to domoic acid poisoning from a red tide algae bloom. 

LAST YEAR THE MASS DIE-OFF WAS ATTRIBUTED TO DOMOIC ACID POISONING

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“The seals consume fish and crustaceans that have algae bloom domoic poisoning… one of the symptoms is a swelling of the brain.

“The animals that survive domoic acid poisoning suffer neurological damage and we suspect that is what has led to us seeing an increase in the number of attacks around Cape Town,”

said Glasby.

Glasby furthermore told the publication that academic papers on the subject in California have shown that the animals lose their flight response to fear and, instead of fleeing, immediately go on the defensive towards anything in their space. 

According to Glasby, the seal pup involved in the attack earlier this week could have been poisoned by suckling its mother as it was too young to have been part of the seal die-off that took place at the end of 2021.

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HUMANS CAN NOT GET DOMOIC POISONING FROM SEALS

Due to seals carrying bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to infections, bite victims need treatments such as antibiotics or even skin grafts. Humans cannot get domoic poisoning from seals but can get it from ingesting contaminated shellfish.

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town urged the public to keep their distance from marine mammals and not interfere with them.

‘Residents are reminded to keep their distance from marine mammals and to not interfere with them. Residents and visitors are encouraged to treat all marine and coastal wildlife with respect and to remove their pets from areas where wildlife may be present. In the interest of the safety of beach users, as well as the animals, I want to kindly request residents and visitors to keep a safe and respectful distance from these animals,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

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The public is reminded to adhere to the following:

• Do not approach or try and get close to any marine and coastal wildlife. Their natural response will be to defend themselves and this may result in aggressive behaviour
• Always keep a respectful distance between yourself and any wildlife to reduce stress on the wildlife. Move away if approached by wildlife
• Never try and touch, or pose with, any marine and coastal wildlife. This places both you and the wildlife at risk of potential harm
• Keep dogs under control by keeping them on a leash and well away from all wildlife at all times. Remove pets immediately from any place where coastal wildlife is present
• Never try and feed any marine and coastal wildlife
• Do not support the illegal feeding of wildlife for the show, such as the seals at the fishing harbours. This is an illegal activity and must not be supported financially, or otherwise

In case of any injured, hurt, or coastal wildlife in distress, kindly contact the City on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone, or 107 from a landline. The appropriate response will be initiated to assist the animal. Members of the public are urged not to act on their own and without authority.