Sensational Sardine Season

Thrilling Migration and Marine Marvels

The crystal-clear waters are teeming with these
shiny silver fish, surpassing the splendor of previous years and the aftermath of the flood runs.

Anticipation hung in the air as the Sardine Exhibition, featuring captivating images captured by local photographers during previous sardine runs, was launched on Durban’s vibrant beachfront promenade. Amidst the buzz, Ryan Daly, a brilliant scientist from the Oceanographic Research Institute, took the stage to share his insights on this year’s sardine run, promising an adventure like no other.

Daly, renowned for his expertise in sharks and an unquenchable passion for all things fish, described this year’s migration as a truly exceptional spectacle. The sardines were breaking with tradition, lingering south of Port St John’s instead of embarking on their usual northward journey. They seemed to be biding their time, waiting for the refreshing coolness of the water to guide them along the coast. As they huddled together near the shoreline, the relentless presence of sharks added a thrilling edge to the already remarkable scene.

Durban is currently experiencing an extraordinary sardine season that is sending waves of excitement through the city.

“There should have been an abundance of dolphins and gannets swooping in to feast on the sardines,” Daly exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. “But, mysteriously, they decided to make a grand appearance inshore. It’s a baffling phenomenon.”

Speaking to an eager crowd of South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) staff and enthusiastic volunteers, Daly delved deeper into the unique dynamics unfolding off the Durban coast. Astonishingly, the gannets, who typically call Bird Island off Gqeberha their home, had eagerly pursued the shimmering shoals. Their relentless pursuit continued until they reached the majestic Waterfall Bluff, situated between Port Edward and Port St John’s.

Adding to the breathtaking spectacle, majestic humpback whales, although not regular consumers of sardines, graced Durban’s waters simultaneously with the phenomenal run. It was as if nature had orchestrated a grand symphony of marine marvels, leaving onlookers in awe of the wonders that unfolded before their very eyes.

Among the talented photographers whose work adorned the exhibition, Daly showcased his own mesmerizing captures, providing a glimpse into the magical world beneath the waves.

As Durban braced itself for another exhilarating day of sardine hunting, the city could hardly contain its excitement. The stage was set, the players were in position, and all eyes were eagerly fixed on the vibrant blue expanse of the ocean, waiting to witness the next chapter of this extraordinary phenomenon.

Source: IOL