The elusive sardines have finally arrived in KwaZulu-Natal almost two months after local and international tourists were expecting them to hit the province’s shores.
‘This morning [Monday] there have been reports of quite intense activity off Greenpoint and Scottburgh and south of Mtwalumi down to Hibberdene, again most of it off the backline,†said Natal Sharks Board’s Mike Anderson-Reade.
There had been doubts that sardines would hit KwaZulu-Natal shores as they normally arrived between June and July.
The shark safety nets were even put back last week, almost two months after they were removed to allow the spectacular annual sardine run that is usually accompanied by sharks and dolphins.
Anderson-Reade said they had noticed intense sardine activity from Hibberdene to south of Port Shepstone off Mbango while flying along the coast on Sunday.
Most of the activity was off the backline and was intense with diving gannets and some sardines, he said.
‘So things are looking up. There are netters waiting at Scottburgh but there is a one-and-a-half metre swell so I doubt they will be able to net this morning. Once the tide drops things may improve.â€
Anderson-Reade stressed that they were not huge shoals but ‘bits and piecesâ€.
He said shark safety nets had been removed from selected beaches between Isipingo and Umtentweni.
‘Beach users are advised to liaise with local lifeguards on bathing status.
”The Sardine Hotline 082 284 9495 has been updated and we will continue to update as information becomes available,†he said. — Sapa