21/06/2026
The KwaZulu-Natal sardine run officially got underway this year when the first sardines were netted at Port Edward on 13 June.
Although the arrival is slightly later than in 2025, when the first shoals were netted at the end of May, mid-June is traditionally when sardines make their first appearance along the KZN coastline. As many locals will appreciate, the timing coincided almost perfectly with the annual Comrades Marathon weekend.
Following the initial small net of sardines at Port Edward on the 13th of June, netters enjoyed further success along the Lower South Coast, with sardines being landed at several locations including Southbroom, Ramsgate and Umzumbe. These early catches generated considerable excitement among coastal communities, anglers, divers and ocean enthusiasts who eagerly await the arrival of one of the world's most spectacular marine migrations each winter.
Sea temperature plays a critical role in determining the movement and distribution of sardines along the coast. On 13 June, sea surface temperatures at Port Edward were a favourable 19.5°C, creating suitable conditions for sardines to move northward.
However, conditions changed rapidly over the following days. By 16 June, water temperatures on the Upper South Coast had risen to approximately 23.5°C, while warm water continued to persist around the Durban region.
Sardines generally favour cooler water temperatures, and the intrusion of warmer water onto the KZN coast can slow or temporarily halt their northward progression. Since 18 June, sardine activity has become noticeably quieter, most likely as a result of these warmer conditions. While this may appear concerning, it is not unusual and does not necessarily indicate the end of the run.
In fact, there are several encouraging signs that suggest the season may still have plenty to offer. Large concentrations of baitfish remain present along the South Coast, including substantial mixed shoals of red-eyes, mackerel and sardines. Perhaps most promising are recent reports of large shoals of sardines along the Wild Coast. These observations suggest that significant numbers of fish remain to the south of KwaZulu-Natal and could still move north if environmental conditions become favourable.
Our current expectation is that if cooler water once again pushes onto the KZN coast, sardines are likely to reappear in greater numbers. As always, the sardine run is heavily influenced by changing oceanographic conditions, and the coming weeks will determine just how far the migration progresses this year.
For now, all eyes remain on the ocean as we wait to see what the next cold-water pulse will bring.
Article by ORI Senior Scientist, Dr Ryan Daly
📷 Dr Ryan Daly
Via SAAMBR
