Red Tide

Algae blooms, more commonly known as "red tide," occur when colonies of microscopic algae accumulate in coastal waters, producing toxins that kill fish, mammals, shellfish, and birds that can't escape the immediate vicinity. These blooms also deplete the water's oxygen, forcing rock lobster to march toward their own demise in mass walkouts.

These phytoplankton blooms can stretch up to 70 km, leaving little hope for slow-moving marine life. This is usually where the South African military steps in, to control and manage the crowds (primarily poor local communities) who rush in with buckets, crates, and bags to collect rock lobster. The reason for this intervention is that the rock lobster are typically, subject to freshness, safe to consume compared to washed-up fish or shellfish, which pose serious health risks due to contamination.

As a recreational diver (with a permit), we have strict quotas for rock lobster. We are allowed four lobsters per person, provided they are of legal size and only on one of the stipulated days, which, as of now, totals fewer than twenty days per year. This is the West Coast of South Africa, and any diver will agree that out of those days, we're lucky to get three to seven where we can actually suit up and make an effort. Factors like taking time off work, water conditions, finding lobsters of legal size, and evading poachers (who often have protection from government officials) all play a part.

According to a Cape Town-based research group, the recent increase in aggressive seal attacks on humans could be evidence of neurological damage caused by domoic acid, a powerful biotoxin found in algae blooms around the South African coastline. These seals consume contaminated seafood, exposing themselves to domoic acid, which accumulates in shellfish, sardines, and anchovies. This toxin affects the brain, causing seizures and death. In 1961, seabirds attacked a small seaside village in California, and though it was never confirmed, some believe they were under the influence of domoic acid. Does anyone remember that chaotic scene in Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds'? That incident is thought to have inspired it.

A number of incidents over the years involving sea mammals were also linked to domoic acid. Domoic acid was found in seals from at least 13 locations, from Lamberts Bay up the West Coast to Muizenberg in False Bay.

Historically, rock lobster export has been very lucrative for South Africa, possibly even more so for corrupt government officials in charge of fisheries. Thousands of tonnes of rock lobster are harvested and exported worldwide. During previous red tides (1997 and 2000), hundreds of tonnes of rock lobster were stranded each time, leaving one to wonder, "Where do all these lobsters go?" Live rock lobster are collected, rehabilitated, and returned to the sea when conditions are safe.

As for the remaining tens of thousands of tonnes?

That's why the South African military steps in…

And the South African government officials…