No renewed widespread sardine deaths as govt scrambles for answers

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says the temporary precautionary measure implemented on 11 September to manage the sardine mortality event remains in force until 2 October.

This is despite no renewed widespread mortality being reported, except an isolated fresh sardine stranding near Mbotyi on the northern Wild Coast last week.

Listen: Sea Harvest explains where the sardines have gone

Officials are still investigating the sharp rise in sardine deaths along the country’s coastline since July. Similar stranglings have been seen in Namibia.

Government previously confirmed laboratory sequencing found that pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) genetic material was present in sampled sardines.

However, its role in the recent sardine mortality remains under scrutiny.vPHV has not previously been reported in South African sardines.

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Read: Dead sardines halve output at Koeberg

During the precautionary period, each right holder may land no more than 25% of its outstanding 2026 directed sardine total allowable catch.

The measure applies west and east of Cape Agulhas while monitoring and scientific work continue.

“The available evidence did not indicate that the mortality had reduced the sardine population sufficiently to warrant complete closure,” DFFE said in a statement on Monday.

“The current measure in place is precautionary and time-limited, and can be reviewed sooner if conditions deteriorate.”

It said industry has confirmed that strong winds prevented recent fishing west of Cape Agulhas and that fishing opportunities in Algoa Bay were also limited by the weather.

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Only one catch of sardine, amounting to 26 tonnes has been taken since the beginning of September.

Earlier KwaZulu-Natal samples tested negative for PHV, but only a small number were tested.

“Additional samples are expected and are important for determining whether that result is consistent across a broader sample. If these also test negative, this will support, but not prove, that the event did not extend into KZN, consistent with the reported mortality front ending before it reached the province.”

No effects on sardine-dependent seabirds or marine mammals have been confirmed.

Commercially produced sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe, the department added.

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