SANCCOB is treating 19 penguins affected by an oil spill believed to have occurred along the West Coast, with ongoing investigations into the spill's source. Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Cape Town - The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) has said that they are currently treating 19 penguins, with one having died before being brought to them, after the penguins came into contact with oil.
On Friday SANCCOB announced that they had been alerted to an oil spill along the West Coast. Oil was discovered last week on the main beaches in Strandfontein.
SANCCOB said that they are in communication with authorities including the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), but that at this stage the situation is still developing, and they are awaiting more information.
SAMSA has been contacted for comment, but has yet to respond. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment is also investigating the matter.
SANCCOB said: “The spill has been detected just south of the Ultra Galaxy, a vessel that ran aground last year, however it remains unclear whether the oil spill is connected to the grounded vessel.
“No oiled wildlife has been reported at this point, and SANCCOB has not been deployed however our teams are ready to do so.”
SANCCOB spokesperson Robyn Fraser-Knowles said that they do not know the source or the type of oil, but that it was seen on Hout Bay and the penguins came into contact with it while foraging.
“The penguins arrived severely emaciated, we have therefore had to stabilize them before washing can take place as this alone is a very stressful process for the birds.”
SANCCOB had explained that the proximity of this incident to Bird Island in Lamberts Bay is of primary concern.
“Strandfontein is just 20 km from Bird Island Nature Reserve which is home to a colony of endangered Cape Gannets that recently peaked at 45,000 individuals at this colony 19 years according to CapeNature, the conservation managing authority.
“The colony is one of just 6 breeding colonies in Southern Africa,” they said.
Fraser-Knowles advised that the public is always encouraged NOT to approach or handle oiled or injured seabirds should they find them.
“Call us so we can send trained volunteers to collect the bird. Please also report sightings of oil to us. Please do not attempt to wash oiled birds, this can be extremely stressful and dangerous to both the individual and the bird,” she said.
Those wanting to assist can instead donate via the SANCCOB website towards their operational costs.
“When the source of the oil is unknown, such as in this case, the cost of rescue and rehabilitation falls solely on SANCCOB. We are a non-profit organization relying on donors to keep our doors open.”
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