Marine conservationists are calling on the public to remain vigilant for oiled and stranded African penguins after oil was discovered washing up on beaches between Pearly Beach and Buffeljags this week.
Marine Dynamics and affiliated organisations have issued a press release urging residents to report any sightings of penguins in distress immediately to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APPS) emergency hotline on 072 598 7117.
“Any penguin found on the beach away from a breeding colony is a penguin in trouble,” warned marine wildlife experts.
The oil contamination poses a severe threat to the already critically-endangered African penguin population, with even small amounts of oil proving potentially fatal to these vulnerable seabirds. It may have originated from an illegal tanker or possibly from a leaking shipwreck, both of which are classified as chronic oiling events. The discovery has triggered the area’s official Oil Spill Plan, with CapeNature formally notified of the incident.
Patrol operations around Dyer Island have been significantly increased to monitor for affected seabirds, while South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) investigators and specialised oil spill response company Spiltech are en route to assess the situation.
The public are encouraged to look for penguins that appear:
• Covered in oil or other substances;
• Injured or unable to move normally;
• Unusually still or lethargic;
• Located away from known breeding areas.
If encountering a penguin in distress, don’t attempt to handle the bird yourself. Call the APPS Emergency Line, 072 598 7117, immediately, noting the location and the bird’s condition.
