Michael Dyson, Fish Hoek
Just before Easter weekend, I parked at Fish Hoek Beach to walk my dog to Clovelly and back.
The state of the beach was disgusting. Rotting seaweed littered the entire stretch of the beach. I had noticed this earlier in the week and saw a machine there, which I presumed was cleaning the beach. Not so.
The stench of rotting seaweed makes it impossible for any bathers or sun worshippers to find a spot to enjoy.
There is also a sign at the beach entrance warning that the water is not fit for swimming, drinking or playing in. This is a wonderful stretch of sand, but now it seems it is out of bounds to locals and tourists alike.
Have we no pride?
• Deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews responds: Seaweed (kelp) is a very important part of our coastal ecosystem.
Due to the importance of kelp as part of the beach ecosystem, the City only removes washed up kelp from defined beach nodal areas. At Fish Hoek Beach, there is a designated kelp-free area, and kelp is actively removed. Between the Fish Hoek lighthouse and Clovelly, kelp is left on the beach to contribute to the beach ecosystem.
There are two stormwater drains at the Fish Hoek Beach, one towards the Galley Restaurant’s side and the other at the Fish Hoek lighthouse. Both carry a pollution warning sign as the water that comes out the drains is often polluted.
The Fish Hoek coastal water using the national guidelines is currently rated as excellent in the main swimming area – the area directly in front of the Galley Restaurant – and as sufficient in the area towards the lifesaving club.
Water quality ratings and most recent results are accessible here: https://bit.ly/Coastalwaterquality