THE Sardine Run is one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena, and while it occurs almost every year around June and July, its exact reasons remain a mystery. This is according to the chairperson of the Just Angling Durban fishing club, Aveshin Moodley, who said, “What we do know is that this incredible migration has deep roots in our history, especially within the Indian community. The tradition of netting sardines along the KZN coast dates back 100 to 120 years, beginning with the seine netters who braved the waves to haul in massive catches,” said Moodley.

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He said while he was growing up, they heard vivid stories from their grandparents and great-grandparents about how they would use saris, traditional Indian garments, to net sardines.

“These tales were full of excitement, of the sea teeming with life, and of community members coming together in anticipation and celebration. We’d hear about legendary catches of shad, garrick, and other predator species that followed the sardine shoals. The abundance of sardines during this time helped feed countless households and sometimes for weeks, even months. As children, watching the sardine netters haul in these glistening silver fish was pure magic. We wanted to feel that thrill for ourselves. So we’d throw our cast nets, or scoop them up with whatever we had, even saris, hoping to be part of the excitement,” Moodley said.

He added, “Once home, we’d share our catch with neighbours and extended family. Our mothers and grandmothers would get straight to work, cleaning, marinating with masala and spices, and frying them till crisp. Sardines served hot with a squeeze of lemon and buttered bread,” he said.

Moodley said as the fishing community they intend on keeping the tradition alive by instilling its values to the younger generations.

“We want our children to experience that same joy. That’s why we continue the tradition of sharing stories, taking them to the shoreline, and hoping they catch the “sardine bug” just like we did. For us fishermen, the Sardine Run is more than just a catch. It’s a challenge and a thrill. The arrival of the shoals brings with it a host of giant predators such as sharks, rays, and game fish. Anglers test their skill against creatures rarely seen during other times of the year. There’s also an explosion of edible species such as garrick, shad, natal snoek, tuna, and kingfish, that follow the sardines. The ocean truly comes alive during the run,” he said.

Moodley said in recent years, people from all walks of life joined in to witness the spectacle.

“It’s no longer just for fishermen or coastal communities, but a shared experience. In our current tough economic climate, the Sardine Run has become a blessing. For many less fortunate, it’s an opportunity to stock up on food, feeding families for days, weeks, sometimes months. The sardine netters deserve special recognition. After securing their commercial haul, they often bring the remaining nets to shore and let the public take what they need. Their bravery in the water is matched only by their generosity on land,” he added.

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