Sardine update: Lower South Coast netting ‘sards’
"This activity on the lower South Coast is currently ongoing and is may continue over the next few days" - Mike Anderson-Reade.
IT appears the sardines have waited for the end of the school holiday season to arrive on the lower south coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Numerous shoals of sardines have been spotted in the area between St Michaels on Sea and Ramsgate. Netting by commercial seine netters has taken place at Ski-Boat Bay (Ramsgate), Ramsgate Main Beach, Margate and St Michaels on Sea according to KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board’s head of operations, Mike Anderson-Reade.
“Some of these nets have been very good hauls in the region of 120 crates of sardines. 2 small nets of mixed baitfish which included sardines were also taken at Umkomaas,” he said.
“This activity on the lower South Coast is currently ongoing and is may continue over the next few days.
“Although there does not appear to be much predator activity accompanying these shoals, shark safety gear has been removed from all beaches from Hibberdene up to and including Port Edward as a precautionary measure to avoid any unnecessary captures.
“This gear will only be replaced as and when the sardine shoals move away.”
Bathers are urged to check with local lifeguards as to the state of bathing prior to entering the water.
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