Sharks Board report first sardine sightings

SARDINE activity has been spotted along the coast. The KZN Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZNSB) spotted signs of increased sardine associated activity off the Eastern Cape coast between Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall, about 140km south of Durban during an observation flight on 2 June.

According to Mike Anderson-Reade, Head of Operations, hundreds of Cape gannets were seen actively diving and sitting on the water surface.

“There is also an abundance of common dolphins feeding in this area which generally is a good sign of sardine activity. The area of fairly intense activity stretches for about 10 kilometres. There were no visible signs of shoals of sardines however the feeding activity of both the gannets and dolphins suggests that there are fish in the area,” he said.

Numerous shoals of baitfish are currently visible at the surface all along the inshore region of both KZN and the Eastern Cape. He said this is common for this time of the year and these shoals are often mistaken for sardines.

“Although it is difficult to be certain of the species makeup of the shoals, reports from reliable sources that target these fish for bait report that they consist mainly of red eye sardine (east coast round herring) and mackerel. No predator activity has been seen accompanying these fish,” said Anderson-Reade.

He said all shark safety gear along the coast remains in place and all beaches are open for bathing.

“A strategy for net removal ahead of the sardine run has been agreed with the Hibiscus Coast Municipality and this will be implemented as required. Due to the provinces moderate winter climate both visitors and local communities are able to enjoy the beaches throughout the year. The Sharks Board will continue to closely monitor sardine activity and remove or replace shark safety gear as required,” he said.

For more information contact Mike Anderson-Reade on 083 777 9831 or via email: malpha@shark.co.za