Sardines content to stay on the South Coast – for now

This year’s sardine run has attracted a lot of attention, and hundreds if not thousands of people have been rushing to the South Coast in the hopes of seeing this mesmerizing display and bagging some of the tasty little swimmers themselves.

According to KZN Sharks Board operations manager Greg Thompson the majority of the action at the moment remains between Scottburgh and Port Shepstone.

“There have been a lot of sardines in the Port Edward area as well,” Thompson told the Courier.

Thompson said predicting the movements of the sardines was a bit tricky.

“The sardines go their own way so it is difficult to predict their movements – one day they’re headed north the next they turn around and move back south again. I make no promises, but I wouldn’t discount them making an appearance along the coast near Durban.”

Also read: Where to go to see the sardine run

He said it had been a good showing by the sardines this year, explaining that the size of the run all came down to biomass.

“There are plenty of factors that influence the total biomass of the sardine population, including feeding conditions, water temperature and more.”

Dolphin and shark activity continues to be high with large numbers following the sardines.

Shark safety gear has been removed from all protected beaches (bar one or two) from the Durban beachfront to Port Edward. The Sharks Board has appealed to members of the public to exercise caution should they enter the water during this time.

WATCH: sardines being netted at Port Shepstone

https://www.facebook.com/anand.naicker.5/videos/2158739000833071/

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram