The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board was granted a permit to conduct a sardine observation flight into the Eastern Cape last Wednesday, June 3 where the sardine related activity started from the Water Fall Bluff area continuing through to the Hole in the Wall.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Nothing fishy about sardines being netted at Southbroom, Ramsgate and Marina Beach

Cape gannets were seen throughout this stretch but there was no extensive concentration of gannets
diving into the water in any particular area.

Activity seen was that of small rafts of birds sitting on the water, some were flying around with some diving. There were five fairly large pods of bottlenose dolphins but no large pods of common dolphins.

Considering the reports of intense activity received between East London and the Kei River mouth a few weeks ago, the lack of action spotted on this flight was confusing.

Nevertheless, this type of scenario is not uncommon and can change overnight. There is always a chance
that they might have moved offshore into deeper water, for various reasons.

When this occurs, they can easily move through without being detected. Once again this proves just how elusive these little fish can be.

During this flight numerous small thin pockets of fish were spotted on a slightly deeper depth between Winklespruit and Hibberdene.

WATCH: Huge shark caught in the a sardine seine net off Ramsgate. After a few minutes of struggling on the sand while still in the net, with the very careful assistance of the fishermen and some in the gathering crowd, it was freed. (Video by Faeez Fuz Mamdoo)

On this particular day seine netters were successful in the Illovo Beach area with small quantities of sardines in some nets and mixed bait fish in others. This sporadic activity behind the surf zone continued through to Sunday, June 7.

There were several attempts to net at Scottburgh on Saturday and Sunday with little or no apparent success.

Greg Thompson, Acting HOD of Operations of the KZN Sharks Board said they were reporting on reliable and confirmed information.

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“The best way to get sardine netting information is from the netters themselves as they are in constant communication with each other regarding the movements of the sardines.”

He added that they were hoping to obtain additional clearances in order to continue with  sardine flight patrols this week.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 national lockdown and in accordance with lockdown legislation and regulations, all shark safety gear was removed on March 24.

No date has been given as to when the beaches will be opened, and only then will the installation of shark safety gear be planned.

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