Sardine activity slows on the South Coast

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board conducted a sardine patrol flight on Friday, July 10, through to the Hole in the Wall, in the Eastern Cape.

There were shoals of sardines sighted close to the backline at the Pennington Ski-boat Club, Bazley and Glenmore beach.

There were also numerous scattered pockets of sardines/baitfish on a deeper line in the Port Edward area.

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Throughout the Eastern Cape there were large numbers of dolphins and gannets seen, but there were no visible signs of sardines or concentrated activity.

“The reports we have received from a dive boat operating in the Port St John’s area, is that they are experiencing very good bait balls on most outings with an abundance of sharks and other predators,” said Greg Thompson, acting HOD of operations at the KZN Sharks Board.

“These bait balls consist mainly of mixed baitfish and not actual sardines. Since the weekend of July 4, the sardine activity in the South Coast region has been pretty quiet in comparison to the bumper action we have experienced over the past four weeks.”

The only confirmed nettings were in the Pennington area last Monday, where about 50 crates were netted and at Ramsgate on Thursday, where approximately 70 crates were netted.

There was a confirmed netting at the Pennington Ski-boat Club on Friday, July 10.

There is a possibility that the lull in activity is due to the weather and sea conditions which have not been ideal for sardine activity and netting.

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.

“We have not been given a date as to when the beaches will be re-opened. Only then will we plan the installation of shark safety gear,”said Mr Thompson.

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