Marine activity surges with sardine run
KZN Sharks Board says dolphins have been accompanied by birds, gamefish, sharks breaching and whales just behind backline.
SARDINE netting in Amanzimtoti and surrounds this week has led to increased activity from dolphins, birds, anglers, and other marine life at sea.
Wayne Harrison of the KZN Sharks Board said over the past few days there has been exceptionally good sardine activity.
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“On the morning of July 9, we had a spectacular viewing of ‘The Greatest Shoal On Earth’ along the upper south coast. At first light in the Pennington area, we had large pods of bottlenose dolphins surfing in the waves. The dolphins have been accompanied by birds, gamefish, sharks breaching and whales just behind the backline,” he said, adding that netting had also taken place in Amanzimtoti.
According to a 07:00 report on The Sardine News by Adam Kamdar, July 9’s netting in Amanzimtoti had to have been the earliest net of the season so far.
“These guys were on the beach as the first of the sun’s rays started to warm the beach. There is sure to be more netting going in the perfect KZN winter conditions,” he said.
On July 8, sardines were netted in Umkomaas. Harrison said, “We had a southern right whale mother and calf in the surf zone at Trafalgar Beach heading northwards at midday. Reports from the Eastern Cape / Port St Johns is that they have massive shoals of sardines up to 15m thick off the coastline moving northwards.”
On July 7, sardines were netted further south near Shelly Beach and St Michael’s on Sea. Harrison said anglers are still reporting good catches of various species of fish.
“Members of the public wanting to take part in the viewing are encouraged to get to the beach at first light when the viewing is at its best. A proven ‘hot spot’ this year is the Pennington area,” he said.
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