#SardineRun2024: Sardine frenzy hits Illovo Beach
Illovo Beach is a hive of activity as locals and fishermen alike line the shore to catch sardines and other big fish.
SARDINE activity is starting to pick up in Amanzimtoti and its surrounds, with nets being brought in at Illovo Beach today (June 21).
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Julian Tharmiha, who was among the action, taking photographs, said two nets had been pulled out. “The vibe is always awesome at the beach with lots of locals and visitors looking to catch some of the action and get some sardines,” he said, adding that a Garrick and Yellowtail Kingfish were also caught by some of the fishermen.
Yesterday (June 20), there were reports of netting at Winklespruit Beach while huge shoals of sardines were seen heading north past Warner Beach.
According to the KZN Sharks Board’s website, the sardine run, referred to as the Greatest Shoal on Earth, is an annual phenomenon sparked by the entry of large shoals of sardines into the waters of southern KwaZulu-Natal during the winter months.
“Although the great bulk of South Africa’s sardine stock is to be found in the cooler Cape waters, each winter, a small proportion of the stock moves eastwards up the Wild Coast. These shoals take advantage of cool water on the continental shelf of the east coast that occurs seasonally as a narrow band between the coast and the warm, southward-flowing Agulhas Current.”
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