Sharks Board tracks sardine activity
Cape Gannets were seen along the coast but there was no extensive concentration of gannets diving into the water in any particular area.
THE KZN Sharks Board was granted a permit to conduct a sardine observation flight into the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, 3 June, where the sardine related activity started from the Water Fall Bluff area continuing through to the Hole in the Wall.
ALSO READ: Fisherfolk welcome unbanning of subsistence fishing under level 3
Acting HOD of operations, Greg Thompson, said 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,” said Thompson.
Thompson said during this flight numerous small thin pockets of fish were spotted on a slightly deeper depth between Winklespruit and Hibberdene.
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, 7 June.
“There were several attempts to net at Scottburgh on Saturday and Sunday with little or no apparent success. We are only reporting on reliable and confirmed information received and 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. We are hoping to obtain additional clearances in order to continue with our sardine flight patrols this week,” he said.
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.
“We have not been given a date as to when the beaches will be opened. Only then will we plan the installation of shark safety gear,” he said.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
