‘The greatest ocean spectacle’, better-known as the Sardine Run has once again united many residents along the South Coast shoreline.
On Friday last week when the first big shoal of sardines hit the South Coast, hundreds of people flocked to Margate Beach. The migration of billions of silverfish is not only of interest to local fishers but also to tourists. On the lower South Coast, shoals were also spotted at Uvongo Beach and Hibberdene.
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) CEO, Phelisa Mangcu, said the past two years have brought some spectacular sardine run action to the South Coast and they are anticipating another bumper year.
“Lockdown restrictions meant that many were not able to experience the action which is why we are really encouraging tourists to make the most of this opportunity. Our tourism operators are able to facilitate Sardine Run viewings from land, sea, or skies, with ample fishing and diving opportunities also on offer,” said Mangcu.
The annual sardine run takes place between May and July. In a recent statement issued by the Sharks Board, it had conducted an observation flight into the Eastern Cape waters to assess the movement of the sardine shoals. The board said the water was discoloured during the observation, saying that some areas had zero visibility.
It added that apart from two very small pockets seen in the surf zone off the Wild Coast Sun, there was very little sardine-related activity spotted.
The Sharks Board added that it is possible that the pilot shoals have already moved through the province’s waters unnoticed under the cover of the dirty water or on a deeper line.
“As we all know these elusive little silver fish have minds of their own and seem to enjoy proving us all wrong, year after year,” said the board.
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