Port Edward came alive with sardine activity this morning as the first reported shoals were netted and dragged ashore. Although it was a relatively small haul, hopes are that bigger shoals will arrive soon.

Excitement increased when onlookers realised there were sharks thrashing around in the nets. These were safely released by the fishermen.

Also read: KZN sardine run: Hopes high as shoals spotted moving north

Social media couldn’t resist commenting on circulating videos posted on Facebook.

“Looks more like a Shark Run than a Sardine Run,” quipped one reader. “More sharks than sardines,” said another.

Others expressed sympathy for the sharks, with calls to free them, and others questioning whether or not this was sustainable or ethical.

Overall, it appears that this was a smallish haul, with the hope that more massive shoals will follow soon.