Sardines roll into Scottburgh
The netters are selling the fish at R900 a crate with each crate holding between 28 to 30 dozen sardines depending on the size of the fish according the KZN Sharks Board report.
THERE were a number of good hauls at a surprise sardine appearance at Scottburgh main beach yesterday (Tuesday 21 June).
A total of 110 crates were netted in one net at Scottburgh main beach and 25 crates of mackerel were also netted.
Reports suggest that numerous shoals of baitfish have been seen between Scottburgh and Umtwalume and it is highly likely that some, but not all of these, are sardines (pilchards).
ALSO READ: What to do with those lovely sardines: Recipe
These shoals were not accompanied by the normal predator activity.
“It is generally very difficult to try and predict the movement of these fish especially when they move in from deep offshore which we suspect was the case this morning. The next day or so should give us a better understanding of whether the netting this morning was a once off or a sign of more to come,” said Head of Operations, Mike Anderson-Reade.
Sardines have also been netted at Winklespruit, Amanzimtoti and Isipingo beaches.
A total of eight nets have been landed and net sizes have varied from small to medium with the largest net producing 300 crates.
Observations from the flight revealed scattered pockets of sardine between Isipingo and Umgababa.
These pockets are accompanied by a small number of Cape gannets.
Shark safety gear has been removed between and including Scottburgh and Anstey’s Beach on the Bluff.
All the other shark safety gear along the coast remains in place and beaches are open for bathing.
This may change as the run develops and more gear may be removed over the coming days depending on the status of the sardine shoals.
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