If you go down to the beach today… you’re in for a big surprise

Writer: Dr Anina Lee.

Everyone who lives in or visits Hermanus knows Grotto Beach. It is famous for its sparkling blue water (albeit a tad chilly), an unspoilt golden beach stretching all the way to Gansbaai, and the occasional whale spy-hopping, lob-tailing, and even breaching just off-shore.

If you take a stroll along the tide line, you will still find a few shells – but not so many these days. The beach is perhaps a bit too pristine. Where are the multitudes of interesting sea shells, the hermit crabs and the little plovers? Even the kelp is moved off the blue flag swimming beach.

But have you ever looked to see what lurks under the sand? A wide open sandy beach like Grotto is a dangerous place if you are a small animal. Gulls, mongooses, crabs and other predators have their beady eyes on you. Hot, drying sun, harsh winds, changing tides and pounding waves are your enemies. So hide, little fellow, hide.

Donax sand mussels move up and down the beach with the tide to feed.

Beach hoppers (Talorchestia capensis), commonly known as ‘beach fleas’ and Sand lice (Tylos capensis) are good at cleaning up seaweed debris on beaches.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 8)