THERE has been no sardines netted on the KZN coast this year says head of operations at KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB), Mike Anderson-Reade. However, there is no need to panic says Reid. The annual Sardine Run along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, billed the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth is causing a stir among the fishing fraternity’.

“We haven’t seen the volumes we are used to seeing. I have worked here for 38 years and it is unusual that it’s the fourth year on the trot that the activity has been so low. However, that can change at any minute because it’s so unpredictable. There has been no netting of sardines along the KZN coast, any sardines you see are being transported from the Eastern Cape where there has been activity,” he said.

“Sardine shoals have arrived off KZN as late as in August on a few occasions in past years and we shall have to wait and see what the weeks ahead bring.”

Anderson-Reade added the KZNSB’s interest in monitoring the annual sardine run lies in ensuring that the shark safety gear in place off protected beaches is managed ahead of the movement of the fish.

“All shark safety gear remains in place and bathing is open at all of the 37 protected beaches along the KZN coastline. The KZNSB will continue to monitor activity in the days and weeks ahead,” he said.