Sardines make an appearance in Durban

SARDINES have been spotted on Durban beachfront this week.

According to the KZN Sharks Board, it conducted a sardine observation flight on 21 July and noted most of the sardine and baitfish activity was now situated between Umhlanga Rocks, Durban Beachfront and Brighton Beach on the Bluff.

Acting HOD of Operations at the Sharks Board, Greg Thompson, said: “The pockets of fish in this area were mainly small thin layers which spray on the surface every time they are harassed. There were no signs of any solid masses of sardines on the shallow lines where one can see from the air. However, there is always a chance that there is still a decent concentration of fish slightly further offshore.”

Thompson said the only confirmed netting of actual sardines which has taken place over the past few days has been along the Durban Beachfront.

ALSO READ: Bounty of sardines for KZN coast

“Most of the nets have been reasonably small which allows for very good quality sardines and is ideal for anglers still looking for bait,” he said.

There were still signs of sardine-related activity between the Mtentu River Mouth and Port Grosvenor, with scattered Gannets and hundreds of Dolphins moving north.

He said the area between Umngazi and Rame Heads was also very active, with over a thousand Bottlenose dolphins also all moving north and scattered rafts of gannets.

“To date this has been one of the best and most consistent sardine runs we have experienced in many years. The combination of a healthy biomass of sardines, a good following of associated predators and very good sea and weather conditions, has contributed to this year’s bumper season,” said Thompson.

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 24 March.

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