The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) notes there has been no renewed widespread mortality has been reported.
The DFFE , however. is continuing to monitor the 2026 sardine mortality event. The only new report during the past week was an isolated fresh sardine stranding near Mbotyi on the northern Wild Coast on 11 September 2026.
The temporary precautionary fisheries measure implemented on 11 September 2026 remains in force until next month, 2 October. During this period, each right holder may land no more than 25% of its outstanding 2026 directed sardine total allowable catch. The measure applies west and east of Cape Agulhas while monitoring and scientific work continue.
The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will meet on 29 September to review the available evidence and reconsider management of the fishery before the temporary measure ends. The planned October/November hydroacoustic survey will provide the first fisheries-independent estimate of sardine biomass and distribution following the event.
The DFFE says available evidence does not indicate that the mortality has reduced the sardine population sufficiently to warrant complete closure. The current measure in place is precautionary and time-limited, and can be reviewed sooner if conditions deteriorate.
The fishing industry has confirmed that strong winds prevented recent fishing west of Cape Agulhas. Also fishing opportunities in Algoa Bay were also limited by the weather. Only one catch of sardine, amounting to 26 tonnes has been taken since the beginning of September.
Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV)remains the strongest identified biological factor associated with the event and has been confirmed in affected sardines from the Western Cape and Algoa Bay. Monitoring, sampling and laboratory investigations are continuing.
PHV is a fish virus and is not known to infect people. Commercially produced sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe. Members of the public should nevertheless not collect or consume dead or dying sardines found on beaches or floating near shore, feed them to pets, or use them as bait.
Earlier KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) samples tested negative for PHV, but only a small number were tested. Additional samples are expected and are important for determining whether that result is consistent across a broader sample.
If these also test negative, this will support, but not prove, that the event did not extend into KZN, consistent with the reported mortality front ending before it reached the province.
No effects on sardine-dependent seabirds or marine mammals have been confirmed.
St Francis Chronicle 