The Sardine Run is nearing our shores
Nature's grand show is about to begin off our coast. The annual Sardine Run is predicted to kick off soon.
Excitement is building across KwaZulu-Natal as the region prepares for the annual sardine run. Expert tracker Jace Govender predicts this natural event will begin in mid-June.
The sardines' journey originates from the cooler waters off the Western Cape, moving up South Africa's eastern coast. This migration attracts commercial and recreational fishermen, as well as marine predators such as sharks and dolphins. The influx of sardines also brings economic benefits to local coastal communities.
The sardine run is a significant annual event for its ecological role and its economic contribution. In the latest episode of The Deep Dive, Vinesh Soogreem chats to Govender, affectionately known as “The Sardine Whisperer”, to find out more about this annual spectacle.
Listen to the full episode of The Deep Dive at the top of the page or directly below.
Here are five fun facts about the sardine run:
Seasonal Spectacle:
The sardine run occurs during the South African winter, typically from June to August, attracting scores of anglers, tourists, and marine predators each year.
Predator Party:
As the sardines migrate, they're followed by a bevy of predators including sharks, dolphins, and birds. This natural showcase of the food chain is both thrilling and unique.
Tasty Tradition:
Caught sardines are celebrated for their fresh taste, especially when netted off the KZN coast. They are even air-freighted across the country to meet demand.
International Attraction:
The sardine run rivals other global migrations, yet the South African experience is unmatched as sardines are often netted right on the beaches.
Natural Navigation:
Like clockwork, sardines follow instinctual routes embedded in their DNA, tracing paths set by generations past, making the run a fascinating subject of study.
About Vinesh Soogreem
Vinesh Soogreem is a legend in the South African fishing media scene. With over two decades under his belt, he's not just an angler who's explored the KZN waters extensively, but also a passionate communicator who's shared his knowledge through books, magazines, and now podcasts and social media. Vinesh lives by the motto "Fish for the future", reflecting his dedication to both the sport and conservation.
Vinesh's authority on KZN fishing is unmatched. Actively involved in the community since the '90s, he's competed at club and social levels, covered major angling competitions, and earned the trust of the media during the Sardine Run. He currently serves as the National Media Liaison for the South African Surf Casting Association, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the South African fishing scene
