DFFE reviews sardine management following scientific meeting
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has received no reports indicating a recurrence of the widespread sardine mortality event recorded between late July and early September 2026. A small number of juvenile sardines washed up sparsely near Mossel Bay on 23 October. Samples are being tested for pilchard herpesvirus (PHV); it is not yet known whether this wash-up is related to the earlier event. Testing continues on sardine samples collected before, during and after the mortality event.
At its 27 October meeting, the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group (SWG-PEL) reviewed updated sardine catch information, automated penguin weighbridge data, fishery-related socio-economic information and sardine population model projections and submitted a recommendation for November management. The previous management measures expired on 31 October. No sardine fishing is permitted while the Department considers the recommendation; fishing may resume only once new measures have been approved and communicated. The Department will provide an update when the decision process is complete.
Planning continues for the end-of-year hydroacoustic survey, which is intended to provide the first fisheries-independent estimate of sardine biomass, distribution and size structure following the mortality event.
PHV is a fish virus and is not known to infect people. Commercial sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe. Members of the public should not collect or consume dead or dying sardines found on beaches or near the shore, feed them to animals, or use them as bait. Any unusual fish mortality should be reported promptly to the relevant coastal authority or DFFE.
For media queries, contact
Zolile Nqayi
082 898 6483
znqayi@dffe.gov.za
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