Get Ready KZN! The Sardine Run is almost here!
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
By: Dylan Naidoo
Like an annual event in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape, the sardine run has been a staple event in the provinces for both fisherman and tourists. For a brief analysis, the annual sardine run is when a massive number of sardines form a giant school, commonly referred to as a shoal, and migrate up the KZN coast. This phenomenon attracts many predators, such as sharks, dolphins and seabird, towards the sardines, creating an absolute spectacle. And with recent discoveries, it seems that the sardine run almost here, and earlier than expected!
East Coast Radio (ECR) reported early sightings of the sardine on the KZN coastline, signifying that the Sardine Run is coming quite soon. " There was footage of it and they were proper sardines, not like bait fish. So, the guys had an inkling that they might be out yesterday (Thursday, 21st May), and they were ready. But nothing came through and there wasn't any wild bird life or dolphin activity as yet. However, they are already ready because they feel it could come any day now," said Vinesh Soogreem from the Angling Times to East Coast Radio.
This follows shortly after the SABC speculated that the Sardine Run may be on the horizon in the coming weeks, but it is ultimately dependent on weather and sea conditions. Angling expert Adam Kamdar explained to the SABC that this is still potentially the beginning stages of the Sardine Run. “At the moment, we’re waiting for them to regroup around the East London PE area. We’ve had some reports of gannets diving but not too much action yet, so it’s really right at the beginning of the sardine run. Sardines look for the cold-water channels, so we really need the water temperatures to drop. If there’s snow on the Berg and the snow melts, the rivers flow out to sea and cools things down, as well as cold fronts that move up the coast cause huge south-westerly swells which helps to push the sardines up, as well as drop the temperatures,” said Kamdar.
Hailed as a grand event for fishermen, the annual sardine run is expected to be in full force within the coming force. Local fisherman and coastal communities waiting in anticipation for this year's Sardine Run. Tourists may also find the Sardine Run as an attractive prospect, with huge shoals of sardines travelling in groups to make a great sight to see. Not to mention the increased activity of marine life such as sharks, dolphins, whales and sea birds[GA2] , all proving to be attractive sights to behold for tourists and local communities.
This wildlife spectacle is vital to the economy of the KZN South Coast, through the increased tourism activity, driving booking and accommodation in the region. This also increases coastal activities such as diving and boating activities.
The sardine also proves to be a vital food source for predators, attracting them in the thousands, which not only provides a spectacle on display, but also feeds these beautiful predators.
Comments