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Toxic Algae Bloom Kills Thousands of Crayfish on South African Coast

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 3:32 PM

A severe red tide algae bloom along South Africa's western coastline has triggered massive die-offs of crayfish and other marine life. Authorities have warned residents not to collect the potentially toxic shellfish and deployed police to affected beaches.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Thousands of crayfish are washing up dead along South Africa’s western shoreline as a dangerous algae outbreak creates havoc for marine life.

Officials issued public warnings Thursday urging residents to avoid gathering or consuming the shellfish, which may contain deadly toxins. Law enforcement officers have been stationed at several beaches to enforce the advisory.

Red tides develop when algae populations multiply rapidly beyond normal levels, as explained by the U.S. National Ocean Service. These algae colonies turn ocean water a distinctive red color while releasing harmful substances that prove fatal to marine creatures.

While such events regularly occur along South Africa’s coastline, this particular outbreak ranks among the most devastating on record, according to the nation’s Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The ministry reported that the toxic bloom triggered a “mass walkout” of crayfish, also called rock lobsters, near Elands Bay, located approximately 135 miles north of Cape Town. These crustaceans attempted to flee the poisonous waters but ended up perishing in large numbers on the shore alongside various fish species.

Rock lobsters represent a highly sought-after delicacy throughout South Africa. Environmental officials had to escort more than 20 individuals away from a single beach location where they were attempting to harvest the contaminated shellfish. Authorities emphasized that consuming these creatures could expose people to potentially fatal nerve toxins.

Ministry personnel are currently working to rescue surviving crayfish while safely removing the accumulating piles of deceased marine life from affected areas.

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