A red tide has spread across the West Coast.
As a result, large numbers of dead white mussel, whelks and other shellfish have washed out, at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to the area, not to collect and eat it.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DAFF) said they died after being paralysed, and therefore, washed out.
Zolile Nqayi, Spokesperson of the Department, said this particular red tide is colourless, but “paralytic shellfish poisoning neurotoxins are extremely toxic to humans.”
The DAFF has as a result, advised against eating all shellfish from the area, and committed to monitoring the situation and the extent of the red tide.
Red tides are algal blooms common in Summer and Autumn on the West Coast.
Picture: Supplied