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15/03/2007 09:56 AM - (SA) Red tide spreads further and wider 16.03.2007
These red tide blooms have occurred annually, but I'm afraid to say that from personal observations and opinions from renowned local deep-sea anglers, this present "red death" is not just going to disperse after one or two strong south easterly winds. It appears that these blooms are developing into a very serious ecological disaster and may even be a long-term phenomenon. This present bloom is coming from the west coast along with the Benguela current. Tunny fishermen who have been fishing off Cape Point for many, many years such as one of the Cape's top deep sea anglers, Earl Fenwick, told me that this dis-colouration on Friday continued 14 miles off Cape Point and he and other Tunny boats had to move 20 miles off Cape Point to find clear warmer water where Tunny is usually located. Earl said other old salts are of the opinion that this red bloom will reach as far as Struisbaai and onto the Agulhas bank. Worst ever I believe that the present situation in False Bay is far greater than anything that has happened in the past. It is not impossible that this intensified red tide phenomenon could be the result of global warming that is causing so much damage to our planet. The 1962 red tide that destroyed many tons of marine life is not a patch on what I believe is about to happen in this present wake of sea life destruction, which I also believe will have long-term repercussions. While walking along the beach between Melk Bay and the jetty on Monday, there were hordes of locals as well as visitors all surprised to see millions of little black, grey and pink creatures looking like fat worms and commonly known as sea cucumbers, littered all over the beach. These little creatures are actually not so common and are seldom seen on the shore as they live in the muddy crevices between rocks. These so-called sea cucumbers are actually marine leeches. Marine leeches Not being a scientist I would have to hazard a guess and class this specific specie washed up on the Strand Beach as Echiuroidea Ochitostoma Capensesis. The deep sea boats which have located Tunny, 20 miles off Cape Point in clear water, have said the fish are big and in excellent condition. There have been reports of up to 20 Yellowfin per boat as well as plenty of Longfin as well. Some good catches of Snoek have also been reported from the south west banks at the Point and at Struisbaai. The Snoek that were caught in Table Bay and around our coastline have disappeared and only one or two have been caught. Shore anglers locally have had a lean time with both spinners and bait due to the present red tide contamination. Most anglers have opted for catching Geelbek at Hangklip. Geelbek (or Cape Salmon) is the one fish that seems less affected by the ride tide than other species. I think that this is an ideal time for the Department of Fisheries to finally stop the trekking of yellowtail and other species at Fish Hoek, Strandfontein and Macassar because contaminated fish should not be trekked and sold to the public and factories. I would not recommend that the public consume any of the sea creatures lying dead along our shores - especially mussels - as toxic mussels can be very poisonous. If anyone has any comments on the red tide, phone me on (021) 854 - 3831. TIDES: Thursday: High: 00:34 - 12:49; Low: 06:42 - 19:09 Friday: High: 01:21 - 13:37; Low: 07:30 - 19:51 Saturday: High: 02:02 - 14:20; Low: 08:13 - 20:29 Sunday: High: 02:42 - 15:02; Low: 08:54 - 21:07
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