Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal – The annual sardine run has begun on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, drawing fishermen, tourists, and marine predators to the shoreline. Early sightings and small catches have been reported near Port Edward and Port Shepstone, sparking hopes for a productive season despite a challenging start.
Early Arrival, Mixed Results
Sardine enthusiasts and seine netters celebrated the fish’s early arrival, though initial hauls were modest. Crowds gathered to witness the spectacle, but many left empty-handed, capturing the action on their phones instead.
“It was good, but not as much as we hoped,” said one fisherman. “We caught small fish and four sharks today, but it was still a good day.”
For some, like a first-time observer riding with Adcan Marine, the experience was unforgettable. “We started at 4:00 this morning, driving up and down the coast, watching sharks, birds, and even whales. It’s been an awesome experience,” they shared.
Sharks Steal the Show
The sardine run, a natural migration of millions of fish moving north along the coast, attracts sharks, gamefish, and seabirds in a dramatic feeding frenzy. However, this year, sharks have disrupted fishing efforts, with many sardine nets catching predators instead.
At Port Edward, a seine net haul contained 21 sharks, all successfully released alive. “We’ve been very proud to remove the gear quickly to protect them,” said a shark spotter. Due to the high shark activity, authorities will remove protective nets along the coast as the sardines move northward.
Tourist Attraction and Bait Boom
The sardine run has become a major tourist draw, with visitors flocking to see the marine spectacle. For local fishermen, the season is crucial for supplying bait, though shark interference has slowed early progress.
“It hasn’t been a good start,” admitted one netter. “Many nets have sharks, which chase the sardines away.” Despite the challenges, anticipation remains high for larger shoals in the coming weeks.
As the migration continues, marine experts urge caution, reminding onlookers to respect the ocean’s predators while enjoying one of nature’s most thrilling events.