Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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30 Jun 2021

Sardine Update: Decent size shoals of sardines seen between Umdoni Point and Sezela

Shona Aylward (South Coast Herald)

The KZN Sharks Board conducted a sardine observation flight through to Hluleka Reserve in the Eastern Cape waters yesterday (Tuesday).

The first sign of sardine activity was between Virginia and the Durban Beach Front. Greg Thompson of KZN Sharks Board said these were thin pockets scattered throughout the area on a slightly deeper line without any predator activity. These particular pockets were moving south at midday but as we know they do change direction when it suits them.

There were three successful nettings on the Durban beaches. As we continued south to the area between Umdoni Point and Sezela, there were decent size shoals of sardines seen scattered throughout the area just behind the backline and in the surf zone. Some of these pockets were being harassed by sharks and gamefish. It was reported that Yellowfin tuna were seen feeding on one of the pockets very close to the rocks at Umdoni Point.

There was one net landed at Sezela, but the other attempts were unsuccessful. There were also large pods of Bottlenose dolphin seen in this area. We then continued to see small pockets in the surf zone and back line through to Hibberdene.

The next concentration of sardines was between Leisure Bay and Port Edward where about 70 small pockets were seen one to two kilometers offshore, all moving north, with no visible predator activity.

The next sign of activity was in the Eastern Cape waters between Mkambathi and Luputhana. Here there were numerous pods of Bottlenose and Common dolphins together with scattered gannet activity, all moving north. Most of this action was slightly deeper than usual for this area.

Further south between Sugarloaf Rock and Hluleka there were also large concentrations of around 1500 Bottlenose but no sign of common dolphins. There were also thin pockets of sardines/baitfish visible on the surface in this area.

The Sharks Board will continue to closely monitor sardine activity and remove or replace shark safety gear as required. Please confirm the bathing status with the lifeguards on duty before entering the water.

 

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