Cape Town – Red tide conditions along Elands Bay in the West Coast have resulted in large marine walkouts and mortalities, including significant numbers of West Coast Rock Lobster (kreef) and other fish species.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has warned the public that washed-up lobster and fish are not safe for human consumption.
“The public is warned that washed-up lobster and fish are not safe for human consumption,” stated the department in a statement on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
“The time of death of these cannot be confirmed. Exposure to algal toxins and bacterial contamination poses a serious health risk.
“Consumption may result in severe illness or death.
“Members of the public are urged not to collect, sell, or eat any stranded marine animals.”
The department, which confirmed the red tide conditions along, in, and around Elands Bay, has roped in the police.
The department urged the South African Police Services and other agencies to assist in monitoring the situation to ensure that there is order within the community.
The department has since this morning activated the West Coast Rock Lobster Walkout Contingency Plan, in terms of which officials from the Department, in collaboration with various national, provincial, and local authorities:
- Removing and relocating live lobsters to areas with stable oxygen levels
- Collecting and disposing of dead marine life
- Monitoring oxygen levels and algal activity
- Conducting scientific assessments of affected stocks
