Daily records of sea temperatures show an average of 10 up-wellings of cold water p.a., mostly in summer. These are caused by persistent easterly winds making cold water from the ocean depths rise to the surface. Dense fog results and occasional fish fatality occurs. More than 100 species of fish are known to occur along this coast. Fish found on the reefs are highly susceptible to exploitation.
Marine reserves play an important role in restocking over-fished areas.
Some species found on reefs include zebra, doublesash butterflyfish, blacktail, roman, elf, galjoen and yellowbelly rockcod. Some of the finest soft coral reefs in the world are found here with sponges, starfish and many shellfish including our unique Pansy shell. Common marine mammals are dolphins, whales and seals. During winter months, the spectacular Southern Right Whales are resident in our bay when they arrive up from the southern oceans to calve. The biggest nature reserve is the Tsitsikamma National Park stretching 65kms along the coast from Natures Valley to Oubosstrand.