June 21, 2011. As expected, the small shoals of sardines seen yesterday off the Hibberdene area have moved northwards up to Park Rynie, extending through to Pennington on the KZN south coast.
Head of Operations for the KZN Sharks Board, Mike Anderson-Reade, reported that extensive netting had taken place with the bulk of fish being netted at Pennington. Some large nets of 200-300 baskets were taken and the fish are still commanding a price of R600 per basket.
“We expect these fish to move northwards overnight, possibly reaching as far north as Amanzimtoti by Thursday.”
Anderson-Reade said that a sardine flight revealed a large gathering of predators off Port Grosvernor off the Wild Coast. “This is more to the north of the usual Waterfall Bluff holding area and we expect these fish to continue on to the KZN coast over the next week. Further south, we were greeted by a spectacle of thousands of Cape Gannets and dolphins stretching in a continuous line for about 6km from Brazen Head to just north of the Umtata River.
“This is a massive shoal of sardines which, if they continue on to the coast of KZN may produce a spectacular bumper run. The KZNSB will continue to monitor this shoal as it has a direct bearing on decisions regarding the timing of the placement of shark safety gear along the south coast.”
As a result of the fast-moving action on the upper south coast, the Sharks Board has decided to remove all shark safety gear south of Durban. Bathers are advised to speak to lifesavers before entering the sea at popular beaches.
Information for updates available on the Sardine Hotline 083 913 9495.