During the winter months, as sea temperatures drop, the sardines are able to extend their range and massive shoals start moving from Cape waters along the Eastern Cape and Southern KwaZulu-Natal coastline, sometimes reaching just north of Durban.
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On Tuesday this week, Mike Anderson-Reade of the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board said it was another day of intense sardine action with most of the activity occurring at Scottburgh main bathing beach, where netting took place for most of the morning.
“The pockets of sardines were a little further offshore than on Sunday and Monday. However, netters were able to access them and a number of good hauls were taken. Pockets of fish can now be found from Karridene all the way south to Ifafa; however water clarity was not great in some of the areas, making it quite difficult to spot the shoals,” he said.
He added that the size and distance offshore of these sardine shoals varied from just behind the shore break to about 400 metres offshore. The silver fish are still accompanied by many sharks and fishermen have had a great time angling these from the shore.
“We expect netting to continue in the Scottburgh area and possibly in the Amanzimtoti to Umkomaas area. This is, however, an educated guess and the fish could move further northwards, remain where they are or completely disappear,” he said.
Yesterday (Wednesday) Mr Anderson-Reade said he could not confirm if there were more sardines making their way to KwaZulu-Natal.
Shark safety gear has been removed from all protected beaches from Anstey’s beach on the Bluff to Port Edward. The sharks board appeals to the public to exercise caution should they enter the water during this time.
The board will continue to monitor the movement of the shoals and will manage the shark safety gear in consultation with the coastal municipalities that are affected.
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