Gwaing Action Group

27/05/2026

10/05/2026

So just to bring a update of the situation with the whale carcass at Gwaing River Mouth at this stage this is what the scientist say about it
"We tried…we really tried. Simply no way of getting to the whale from the beach or the cliffs above. Any possibility of sampling, collecting data or taking photos has been archived in the ‘We tried, but …’ file. Many thanks to Gerrie, Marietjie, Nico and Lize for being part of this adventure."

07/05/2026

Gwaing rivier in full bloom !

07/05/2026

GWAING ACTION GROUP (GAG)
Email: [email protected]
Contact: 067 338 7366

Date: 7 May 2026

LETTER OF APPRECIATION

The Gwaing Action Group (GAG) would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to each and every individual, organisation, department, and stakeholder whom we contacted regarding the whale carcass that washed ashore at the Gwaing River Mouth on Sunday morning.

We truly value the concern, support, advice, and professional views shared with us during this matter. Your willingness to respond and engage with our concerns is highly appreciated and reflects the importance of community cooperation when dealing with environmental matters.

We are relieved that nature eventually took its course and the whale carcass was carried back into the deep sea. This has brought much relief to the surrounding community and visitors to the area.

Thank you once again for your time, understanding, and support throughout the situation.

Kind regards,

Blanche Benjamin
Chairperson: Gwaing Action Group (GAG)

06/05/2026

On behalf of the Gwaing Action Group (GAG), I would like to express our concern regarding the whale carcass that has recently washed ashore at the Gwaing River mouth near Pacaltsdorp in George.
While we acknowledge the logistical challenges associated with accessing this particular stretch of coastline, the current proposal to leave the carcass in situ raises several environmental and public-use concerns that warrant further consideration.
Given the ecological sensitivity of the river mouth and the surrounding coastal habitat, allowing the whale to decompose on-site may lead to unintended consequences. These may include water quality degradation, disruption to local fauna, potential health risks, and a significant impact on the usability of the beach for both residents and visitors over an extended period.

In light of the above, we respectfully propose that the following alternative management options be considered:

1.Towing to Deeper Water
During a suitable high tide, the carcass could potentially be secured and towed offshore to deeper waters, where natural decomposition would have less impact on the immediate coastal ecosystem.

2.Sectional Removal
If full removal is not feasible, partial dismantling of the carcass for phased removal may help reduce environmental impact and expedite the process.

3.On-Site Managed Decomposition
Should leaving the carcass be unavoidable, controlled measures such as strategic burial or containment could assist in mitigating odour, scavenger activity, and water contamination.

4.Interagency Collaboration
Engaging additional governmental or private resources, such as marine services, environmental contractors, or local authorities, may provide the necessary logistical support to facilitate removal or relocation.

5.Public Communication Plan
Clear signage and communication with the public regarding safety measures, expected timelines, and ecological considerations would greatly assist in managing community expectations.

We fully appreciate the complexities involved in managing such situations, particularly within environmentally sensitive and logistically challenging areas. However, given the potential long-term impacts, we believe it is important to explore all feasible alternatives before finalising a course of action.

We trust that SANParks will give due consideration to these concerns in the interest of environmental stewardship and public well-being.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

05/05/2026

Whale washes up at Gwaiing Beach river mouth

George Herald spoke to Wal Marsh from the organisation SMART (Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team), who said the whale that washed ashore appears to be a baleen whale. She noted that it would be difficult for authorities to remove or bury the carcass, as the river mouth is inaccessible to heavy machinery such as excavators. It is therefore likely that the whale will decompose naturally or be carried back out to sea during high tides.

Marguerite van Ginkel reporting live from the Qwaing Beach river mouth near George.