Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment investigates sardine deaths in Gqeberha

In its update issued last weekend, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) noted that no new mass-mortality incidents had been reported since 16 August 2026. Since then, isolated sightings have been reported at Bakoven and off Tsitsikamma, followed on 27 August 2026 by widespread reports of sardines washing ashore around Gqeberha and floating offshore and within the harbour.

 

The DFFE is investigating these new reports. Sardine strandings have also been reported along the Namibian coast, and the Namibian authorities have agreed to provide samples for Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) testing.

 

Separately, live and dead sardines have been reported in the Koeberg cooling-water intake basin, with seals feeding on them. Eskom is managing this incident. The DFFE has not had access to the site but has obtained a sardine sample for testing.

 

PHV remains the leading explanation for the Western Cape mortality event. A link with the Gqeberha event is considered likely, but requires confirmation, and other causes and environmental contributions will also be investigated. Samples are being collected for further testing, and observers will document the distribution of affected fish and attempt systematic counts at sea.

 

The intergovernmental Task Team met on 26 August, assigned responsibilities and further developed the response plan covering surveillance, testing, disposal of dead fish, public communication and assessment of the stock impact.

 

The DFFE recognises the concerns raised by conservation organisations. The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will meet on 4 September 2026 to review the latest findings and consider their implications for fisheries management. This assessment will inform advice on whether additional management measures are warranted. The scale of mortality remains uncertain, and the October/November hydroacoustic survey will provide essential information on the post-event sardine stock status.

 

The joint DFFE and National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) statement released on 27 August 2026 confirms that there is no basis to discontinue consumption of commercially produced canned sardines processed under NRCS oversight.

 

These products must be distinguished from dead or dying sardines found on beaches or floating at sea. The public should not collect or eat these fish, or feed them to pets, because of decomposition related risks. PHV is not known to infect people.

 

The DFFE will provide further updates as results and management decisions become available.

For media queries, contact:
Zolile Nqayi 
Cell: 082 898 6483 
E-mail: znqayi@dffe.gov.za

 

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