News

Table Mountain National Park has, after discussions with other role players, decided to dispose of the Southern Right Whale carcass off Kommetjie by working with nature to accelerate decomposition. This after meeting with other role players this morning and reaching consensus that removing it by land will not be feasible, because of the sensitive coastal thicket dune system in the area.

The option of blowing up the carcass has also been shelved, because of the size of the whale. Experts have informed us that the amount of explosives needed to make an impact will have other repercussions, like damaging the rocks on which the carcass is laying. The detonation could also cause damage to the nearby houses.

After discussions with the Natal Sharks board and researchers from Iziko museum, it’s now been decided to burn the carcass. This operation will start tomorrow, and the area will be closed off to the public for the duration.

TMNP would also like to appeal to residents in the area to ensure that all windows and doors are kept closed during the operation, as the burning fat and oil will result in a lot of black smoke. Big swells from a cold front which is expected to make landfall later this week, should wash away the rest of the carcass.

Shark researchers have informed TMNP that the oil and fat seeping off the rocks into the sea is creating an oil slick, which is likely to attract sharks. We would therefore like to appeal to members of the public not to bathe or surf in the water adjacent to the area.