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South Africa is a country full of natural beauty, but not all of it is above ground. In fact, we’re blessed with some of the most remarkable marine biodiversity in the world. Ever heard of the Sardine Run?
Each year, billions of sardines spawn in the wraps of the Agulhas Bank and migrate northward along the eastern coastline. They take part in an immense feeding frenzy, following the cold water currents all along the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal.
Unsurprisingly, this presents a veritable feast for predators like dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks, and even whales, making it one of the best times to experience marine tourism. Thousands of travellers flock to the coast to witness the spectacle up-close – but where do they go?
This year’s Sardine Run is already well underway, but the threat of climate change means the phenomenon has a murky future. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our three best locations to see it in 2024. Read on to learn more.
Essentially, the Sardine Run is a journey of billions of individual sardines (Sardinops sagax) along South Africa’s eastern coastline. Because there are so many of them in one place, the shoals can stretch for over 7km, making them visible from the surface – and sometimes, the shore.
In 2023, we witnessed what was likely the largest Sardine Run on record. When we talk about biomass – the sheer mass of the sardine shoal – some researchers liken the Sardine Run to the Great Wildebeest Migration of Kenya and Tanzania. That’s how much marine life we’re dealing with!
Shoaling is a defence mechanism. After all, there’s strength in numbers, especially if you’re up against tens of thousands of hungry dolphins and countless more sharks and other predators. But why does it happen on this scale?
Some suggest that it’s a seasonal migration unique to one specific genetic subpopulation. Others argue that the sardines follow a temporary upwelling of cold water, ultimately becoming trapped in the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal. In fact, it might be an example of migration behaviour that’s no longer of any value to the species.
Scientists warn that over the past several decades, the Sardine Run has become smaller and more disjointed. Since peaking at four million tonnes in 2002, the total biomass has fallen to less than a quarter of that, representing a “collapse”.
Furthermore, the migration is likely triggered by fluctuations in ocean temperatures. Researchers fear that climate change will push the Sardine Run later and later each year, with some years having no observable events at all. As humans, we’re also guilty of ruthless overfishing of sardines and other species.
This isn’t just bad news for the sardines – because they’re such a keystone food species, their predators are likely to suffer, too. Speaking to BBC, Stephanie Plön, a marine biologist at Stellenbosch University, explains that since 1972, researchers have seen a massive change in dolphin diets in the region.
“The animals had previously fed mainly on sardine – it’s the sardine run, that’s what you expect,” says Plön. “But they weren’t feeding on sardines anymore. They were feeding on mackerel.”
Tragically, humpback whales also migrate thousands of kilometres from Antarctic waters to cash in on the feast. With fewer sardines to prey on, this journey is becoming increasingly futile for these magnificent creatures. Threatened bird species like the Cape gannet and African penguin are suffering the consequences, too.
Sadly, as with many ecological wonders around the world, the clock is ticking for the longevity of the Sardine Run. That’s why now is the time to see it up close. After all, marine tourism has a part to play in protecting and conserving our biodiversity. However, keep this old joke in mind: “If you want to experience the sardine run – you’ll be doing all the running!”
Here are three popular places where you can experience the Sardine Run:
Waterfall Bluff is one of the few places on the African continent where a waterfall plunges directly into the ocean. During the Sardine Run, the Agulhas Current squeezes the sardine shoals against the coast, creating a bottleneck and making it easy to spot the feeding frenzy. However, you’ll need to hike to get to the waterfall itself.
This coastal village is a hotspot for fishing during the Sardine Run. Each year, locals gather on the beach with their nets to capitalise on the huge haul. Some of the fish get eaten locally, while others are sold and transported all around the country.
The Aliwal Shoal, one of the world’s best diving destinations, is also just 5km off the coast. As a result, the area is packed with predators.
Just a short drive south of Durban, Amanzimtoti has pristine white beaches from where you can experience the Sardine Run. In fact, you can often spot the shoals all along the KZN South Coast, so you’re better off being mobile and following local reports on Facebook and WhatsApp.
On rare occasions, the shoals are visible (and catchable) in Durban itself!
If you need some transport to get around the east coast, get in touch with out expert consultants today. And, if you manage to catch a glimpse of this year’s spectacle, don’t forget to share your photos and videos with us on Instagram at @DriveSouthAfrica.