Department probes widespread sardine deaths along Western Cape coast
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched an investigation into reports of widespread sardine deaths along the Western Cape coastline.
Dead and dying sardines have been reported at several locations stretching from Saldanha Bay to Gansbaai, with fish washing ashore and others found drifting on the ocean surface.
The department says reports have also been received of sardines dying as far as eight nautical miles offshore near Hout Bay, prompting officials to investigate the possible causes behind the mortality event.
DFFE spokesperson Zolile Nqayi says the department is working to determine what may have triggered the deaths.
"The Department has received photographs, videos and reports from fishers and members of the public. We are currently investigating the matter and collecting samples to establish the cause of the sardine mortality."
The first fish samples were collected off Saldanha Bay on Saturday, with assistance from the fishing vessel Shivon. The department received the samples on Sunday, with diagnostic testing set to begin on Monday.
Scientific observers have also been deployed aboard purse-seine fishing vessels to collect additional information about the extent and distribution of the mortality.
The department says a harmful algal bloom caused by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella is currently present in the Saldanha Bay area. However, officials have warned against drawing conclusions before investigations are complete.
Nqayi says the presence of the algal bloom does not automatically confirm it as the cause of the fish deaths.
"Given the wide geographic extent of the reported sardine mortality, it cannot at this stage be assumed that this bloom is responsible for all the reported mortalities. We need to complete the necessary scientific assessments before determining the cause."
The investigation is considering several possible factors, including harmful algal blooms and associated toxins, environmental conditions and fish disease.
"No cause has yet been confirmed, and conclusions should not be drawn before the samples and available environmental information have been assessed," the department said.
As a precaution, the DFFE has urged members of the public not to collect, handle or consume dead or dying fish found on beaches or floating at sea.
"Members of the public are strongly advised not to collect, handle or consume dead or dying fish found on beaches or floating at sea," the department said.
The DFFE says it will provide further information once initial test results are available.
