The Sardine Run is heating up! More than 1650 crates of sardines have already been netted from the shoreline along the Hibiscus Coast this week and there is a prediction that several pockets in the Eastern Cape waters are headed for the shore.
The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board took an observation flight over the Eastern Cape and found a heavy concentration of activity between Goss Point and Mbotyi River Mouth.
They spotted pockets of sardines, more than 2000 bottlenose dolphins and over 3000 common dolphins – which is a good sign of high sardine activity. Following the fish were also gannets and Bryde’s whales. Further to this activity, they found more action near Mpande River Mouth and Presley’s Bay. Here they discovered large concentrations of 1000 bottlenose and 3000 common dolphins further offshore.
Although shoals were not immediately visible to the eye – the sea activity is a good indication that there are more waves of sardines headed for the shore.
In KwaZulu-Natal, there was activity in Warner and Karridene beach over the last few days. About 11 nettings took place, amounting to 1650 crates of sardines. The warmer weather along the coastline might be the reason why activity remains low. However, weather and sea predictions look favourable for the next few days.
Bathing is still not allowed between Port Edward to Isipingo as a precaution due to the sardine movement and high shark activity.
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