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Stranded Marine Animals In The Overberg

Stranded Marine Animals In The Overberg

The Whale Unit

Stranded Marine Animals In The Overberg

The Whale Unit in Hermanus is a partner in the Overberg Stranding Network and is passionate about educating the public about what to do in the case of marine animal strandings.

The Overberg Stranding Network is a collaborative group of organisations that ensure as much information as possible is retrieved from every stranding, live animals are refloated or euthanised if necessary, and carcasses disposed of safely if they come ashore in a built-up area.

 
What To Do When You Find A Stranded Whale or Dolphin

If you come across a stranded whale or dolphin on the beach or rocks it is important to:

 • Keep dogs and people away 
 • Not to tamper with the animal
 • Contact the Whale Unit for assistance
 • Send the location and image to the helpline 

Stranding response in the Overberg area is managed by a collaborative group of organisations:

 • Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit
 • CapeNature
 • Department of Environmental Affairs
 • Dyer Island Conservation Trust
 • Hermanus Animal Hospital 24-hr Service
 • NSRI
 • Overberg District Municipality
 • Overstrand Municipality

If you come across any live or dead whale or dolphin on the beach, please call 060 971-4301 for assistance.

For more information about the Whale Unit and about the work the team does, see here.

Stranded Marine Animals In The Overberg

The Whale Unit

Based in Hermanus, the Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria's Mammal Research Institute is recognised as an international thought-leader in knowledge, research and conservation of whales and dolphins in southern African waters, and the surrounding oceans. Work includes researching the ecology, p...

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