Rising Harassment of Cape Fur Seals Incites Action from Environmental Agencies

Amidst waves crashing along South Africa's majestic coastlines, a less serene scenario unfolds concerning the welfare of Cape fur seals. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has voiced significant concern over escalating harassment incidents perpetrated by the general public against these marine mammals, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Peter Mbelengwa, a spokesman for DFFE, highlighted the disturbing rise in cruelty where individuals have engaged in egregious behaviors such as using dogs to attack seals, throwing stones, and luring seals to perform for social media clips. Such activities have spiked particularly after the detection of the rabies virus within the seal population, inciting unnecessary panic and reckless actions.

Cape fur seals, integral to the regional marine environment, are currently facing unjustified brutality primarily based on misinformation regarding rabies. When a seal with rabies symptoms, such as aggression or lethargy, is spotted, the public is strongly advised to maintain a distance of at least 15 meters and promptly contact local authorities or animal rescue services. This guideline is crucial not only for public safety but to prevent potential rabies transmission to pets and humans.

Misconduct towards these mammals also ignites legal repercussions due to the Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations, 2017 which criminalizes unsolicited feeding and physical interaction with the seals. Notably, activities around Hout Bay harbour, where harassment and illegal feeding are prevalent, have been specifically targeted by the department in their advisories.

The Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC), committed to the welfare of the Cape fur seals, reported a disturbing increase in injuries. Earlier this year, another seal was tragically killed due to mistaken beliefs over rabies infection. They strongly countered such attacks reminding the public of the legal protections these seals have.

Creating awareness and promoting responsible behavior are pivotal. The public is urged to adhere to guidelines - restraining pets on beaches, reporting distressed animals, and refraining from direct interactions. It is also important for everyone to educate themselves about the realities of rabies and its transmission to help reduce misguided fears that lead to violent behaviors.

Together with local authorities and conservation organizations, DFFE continues to strategize effective response measures, including rehabilitation and necessary medical interventions for affected seals. Public cooperation is indispensable to curtail these harassment incidents and to protect the welfare of Cape fur seals who deserve a peaceful coexistence on South Africa’s shores.