Sardine Update: Large pods of sardines in Winkelspruit and Illovo
Commercial netters managed to bag at least 18 nets between Amanzimtoti and Illovo Beach on the weekend.
YESTERDAY (Tuesday 3 July) there have been pockets of sardines sighted at Isipingo, Umkomaas, and Umdoni Point and between Saint Mikes and Uvongo on the lower South Coast.
These pockets were all behind the backline and beyond according to Operations Manager, Greg Thompson.
The swell size increased to about 2m and the sea conditions were unsettled which would have an effect on the sardine movements.
Hopefully the sea will settle quickly and allow the fish to move into the surf zones again.
During the weekend, the sardine run really got up to speed again on Saturday morning as the commercial netters managed to bag at least 18 nets between Amanzimtoti and Illovo Beach.
Most of these pockets were moving north and there were large pods of dolphin seen charging around this area.
“There was very little netting reported on Sunday but the sardine pockets were moving a bit deeper offshore. There were reports of pockets from Margate to Warner Beach.”
On Monday morning there has been pockets spotted from Anstey’s on the Bluff down to Hibberdene.
ALSO READ: Sardines anticipated to reach Durban shores within days
“There has been netting at Warner, Illovo and Port Shepstone and I’m sure other beaches in that area. It sounds like the main activity was between Winkle and Illovo,” Thompson said.
Shark safety gear has been removed from all protected beaches from the Durban Beach Front to Port Edward on the South Coast.
The Sharks Board appeals to members of the public to exercise caution should they enter the water during this time.
The board will continue to monitor the movement of the shoals and will manage the shark safety gear in consultation with the coastal municipalities that are affected.
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