Although the incident in an anomaly, the foundation’s experts are concerned that the lack of sufficient food could have long-term consequences for the Cape cormorant in the future.
The west coast of southern Africa is home to the Benguela Stream, a patch of cold, nutrient-rich water that generally allows small fish to flourish. But rising ocean temperatures due to the climate crisis could hamper this productivity.
Last month, ocean temperatures around Robben Island rose to 3.6 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Although it can only be determined by natural variability, it is also a worrying sign of what could come as the world continues to warm, disturbing the balance of ecosystems.
The foundation’s response manager, Nicky Stander, said AFP that if the amount of food continues to decline, abandonment is likely to become more common. Cormorants may not even grow together, she said.
“We have seen weak birds coming to the center for years,” Stander told AFP. “What we fear is that this will happen more and more in the future.”