Cape Town: SANParks expands elite SEAM team to strengthen protection in Table Mountain National Park!

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has expanded its elite Sea, Aerial, and Mountain (SEAM) ranger force with 24 new graduates, more than doubling the current team. This increase significantly enhances the unit’s capacity to safeguard visitors and protect the natural environment within Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa.

The SEAM team plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of visitors and maintaining the environmental integrity of Table Mountain National Park. Candidates underwent rigorous physical and mental assessments before receiving para-military training. This specialized training prepares them for high-risk operations aimed at tackling various security and environmental threats facing the park.

The SEAM unit comprises expertly trained special operators, a multi-purpose canine unit specializing in apprehension, detection, and man-tracking, as well as aerial and vessel support teams. These resources enable the unit to effectively combat criminal activities such as poaching, illegal plant harvesting, and theft.

Since its establishment in December 2021, the SEAM team has successfully conducted:

• 116 arrests of suspects involved in environmental and security-related crimes.
• 88 helicopter deployments for surveillance and response operations.
• 1,003 foot patrols across Table Mountain National Park.
• 400 K9 deployments to support detection and apprehension efforts.

The newly graduated rangers will integrate seamlessly into the multi-disciplinary SEAM team, enhancing its ability to conduct intelligence-driven operations. These operations target criminal networks engaged in illegal activities within Table Mountain National Park's land and marine environments.

By leveraging strategic information, the SEAM team proactively disrupts threats, ensuring a safer environment for both visitors and wildlife. Their efforts include targeted special operations against robbery suspects, poachers, and illegal plant harvesters.

This initiative is made possible through vital partnerships with key stakeholders, including the SANParks Honorary Rangers, the Table Mountain Fund and the Foundation for a Sustainable Future.

SANParks remains committed to fostering these collaborations to ensure sustainable conservation efforts and the long-term protection of South Africa's natural heritage for generations to come.
With the expansion of the SEAM team, Table Mountain National Park is now better equipped than ever to address security challenges while preserving its rich biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy the park with increased peace of mind, knowing that a highly trained and specialized force is actively safeguarding both the environment and their safety.