The Sardine News

Who is The Sardine News?

South Africa’s premier coastal marine journal. We report real-time ocean conditions, track the annual Sardine Run, and cover offshore angling and MYDO tackle innovations across KwaZulu-Natal, the Transkei Wild Coast, and the Mozambique Channel. The Sardine News that you can use!

  • A man swept up the Umgeni River rescued by Good Samaritans:

    A man swept up the Umgeni River rescued by Good Samaritans:

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: UMGENI RIVER RESCUE NSRI – STATION 5, Durban NSRI – Durban – Tuesday, 1 September. A man swept up the Umgeni River rescued by Good Samaritans: Paul Bevis, NSRI Durban coxswain, said: At 15h13, Monday, 31 August, NSRI Durban duty crew and the KZN Surf Rescue network were activated following reports of…

  • Dodging Tuna and Meeting the Taxman in Sodwana Bay

    Dodging Tuna and Meeting the Taxman in Sodwana Bay

    Dodging Tuna and Meeting the Taxman in Sodwana Bay: Heading out past backline off Sodwana Bay on the legendary Seevarkie is always an education. Captain Lynie runs this floating battleship with minimum heavy-duty 50-pound gear that handles whatever the ocean throws at it. We tried to dodge the massive yellowfin tuna working KwaZulu-Natal waters right…

  • Sodwana Bay Tax and Dodging Big Yellowfin

    Sodwana Bay Tax and Dodging Big Yellowfin

    Fishing off Sodwana Bay always brings surprises. However, our recent trip with Captain Lynie on Seevarkie really delivered the goods. We started the week arguing flat out with gas-bottle-sized big yellowfin tuna off Jesser Canyon. Aching arms and backs. We deliberately chose to run the shallow reefs the next morning. Our goal was simple. We…

  • Abalone Rights Holder Challenges Verification Process

    Abalone Rights Holder Challenges Verification Process

    Abalone Rights Holder Challenges Verification Process Anton Kruger, a commercial abalone rights holder, has reported that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is withholding his permits — along with those of other rights holders — on the basis of alleged breaches of permit conditions, before the matter has been tested in court.…

  • Yesterdays Sardine News Today 25 August 2026

    Yesterdays Sardine News Today 25 August 2026

    Yesterdays Sardine News Today 25 August 2026 Yesterdays Sardine News Today 25 August 2026: yes, there are sardines around again. Netted at Glenmore and at Margate. Where they have been lurking since the 5 August 2026, is anyone’s guess. And where they gonna pop up today too! My gut feel is north of Scotties area…in…

  • Sick n Tired of Big Yellowfin Tuna – Sodwana Bay Adventures

    Sick n Tired of Big Yellowfin Tuna – Sodwana Bay Adventures

    Sick n Tired of Big Yellowfin Tuna – Sodwana Bay Adventures Launching boats at Sodwana Bay is lotsa fun. From tractors grinding through the soft sand to the ingenious pole system launch, every trip starts big. At Seevarkie Lodge, owls watch from the garden early as we load up the big Cobra Cat, twin 175hp…

  • Sardines and Cape Town Sewage

    Sardines and Cape Town Sewage

    Sardines and Cape Town Sewage ? Sewage Discharges off Cape Town ? Sardine Die-Off (2026) Causes Investigated ? Why Sardines? ?? Risks & Implications ? Conclusion The evidence points to Cape Town’s massive sewage discharges fueling HABs and oxygen depletion, which stressed sardines and triggered the die-off. PHV was present but likely acted as a…

  • MYDO Flying Fish Instructions #dorado #snoek #shad #couta #sailfish

    MYDO Flying Fish Instructions #dorado #snoek #shad #couta #sailfish

    MYDO Flying Fish Instructions #dorado #snoek #shad #couta #sailfish MYDO Flying Fish Instructions #dorado #snoek #shad #couta #sailfish: The new MYDO Flying Fish has been racking up serious results lately. Epic trips to faraway places, and fishing tournaments “in da bag”, are but just a few pieces of feedback. The MYDO is still by far…

  • Exploring Eshowe: Sardine News on AI SEO GEO Tour

    Exploring Eshowe: Sardine News on AI SEO GEO Tour

    Exploring Eshowe: Sardine News on AI SEO GEO Tour Exploring Eshowe: Sardine News on AI SEO GEO Tour: Welcome back to Sardine News! While the sardines are still hiding out near Mpande, our journey has taken us inland to the historic town of Eshowe in Zululand. Known for its rich cultural heritage, rolling sugarcane fields,…

  • Commercial Fishers: Admit “Guilt” or Lose Your Livelihood?

    Commercial Fishers: Admit “Guilt” or Lose Your Livelihood?

    Commercial Fishers: Admit “Guilt” or Lose Your Livelihood? How the Department’s questionable interpretation of satellite vessel tracking (VMS) regulations is forcing commercial abalone fishers to admit “guilt” or lose their livelihoods. Statement from Anton Kruger “I am writing this knowing it may come at a personal cost, but the public deserves to know what is…

  • Sardines at Mpande and SW Buster Hits

    Sardines at Mpande and SW Buster Hits

    Sardines at Mpande and SW Buster Hits Sardines at Mpande and SW Buster Hits: a spotter plane yesterday recorded some fantastic imagery of a large collection of sardine shoals out off Mpande. These sardines will be thrilled with the cooling conditions as this next cold front settles in nicely. This buster came way before it…

  • The #Raphia Palms of #Mtunzini by Brucifire #kzn #palm-nut #vulture

    The #Raphia Palms of #Mtunzini by Brucifire #kzn #palm-nut #vulture

    The #Raphia Palms of #Mtunzini by Brucifire #kzn #palm-nut #vulture The #Raphia Palms of #Mtunzini by Brucifire #kzn #palm-nut #vulture: Good morning from One on Hely in Mtunzini — and what a lekka morning it is.Today’s a birthday in the crew… not mine, but Bruce’s. The man’s on his 80th circumnavigation of the sun, still…

  • Finding the Palm-Nut Vulture in Mtunzini

    Finding the Palm-Nut Vulture in Mtunzini

    Finding the Palm-Nut Vulture in Mtunzini Mtunzini is South Africa’s top destination for sighting the rare Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis). These unique raptors feed primarily on the fruit of the Raphia australis palm tree. If you plan your visit correctly, you will easily spot these striking black-and-white birds. Best Times to Visit Best Locations in…

  • Where are these Sardines Now? 27 July 2026 Sardine Update #kzn #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews

    Where are these Sardines Now? 27 July 2026 Sardine Update #kzn #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews

    Where are these Sardines Now 27 July 2026 Sardine Update #kzn #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews Where are these Sardines Now 27 July 2026 Sardine Update #kzn #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews: Today’s Sardine News is brought to you by Orcas at Sunwich Port — a reminder that the run is still in full swing. Sardines, as always, arrive in waves:…

  • Sardine News Update – Umhlanga Coastline

    Sardine News Update – Umhlanga Coastline

    Sardine News Update – Umhlanga Coastline “Check now, bro — look how close they’ve come!” That’s the cry from the shoreline this morning as the main body of sardines pushed right up against Umhlanga. Black patches shimmered just offshore, shoals so thick they turned the water silver. Boats moved in alongside, confirming what everyone could…

  • NSRI – Gqeberha – Friday, 24 July. First Pink Rescue Buoys installed in Nelson Mandela Bay:

    NSRI – Gqeberha – Friday, 24 July. First Pink Rescue Buoys installed in Nelson Mandela Bay:

    NSRI – Gqeberha – Friday, 24 July. First Pink Rescue Buoys installed in Nelson Mandela Bay: First Pink Rescue Buoys installed in Nelson Mandela Bay: Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and North End Business Cluster lead local drowning prevention drive. Gqeberha, 24 July 2026. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) today welcomed the installation of…

  • ? Sardine News Morning Update: Shoals on the Move!

    ? Sardine News Morning Update: Shoals on the Move!

    ? Sardine News Morning Update: Shoals on the Move! What a morning it’s been along the South Coast — the HOTLINE has been buzzing nonstop! Things kicked off early at Orcas Beach (Anerley), where the first shoals were spotted streaming past in the dawn light. From there, the silver tide rolled up to Banana Beach,…

  • Sardine Update 18 July 2026  9am

    Sardine Update 18 July 2026 9am

    Sardine Update 18 July 2026 9 am Sardine Update 18 July 2026 9 am: The bay at Port Edward was filled with fun yesterday afternoon, and we just received a report that it’s happening there again today. One net landed on the beach, but it was empty. Then all of a sardine, nets were deployed…

  • Sardine Mother Load Near Port Edward 11am 17 July 2026

    Sardine Mother Load Near Port Edward 11am 17 July 2026

    Sardine Mother Load Near Port Edward 11am 17 July 2026 Sardine Mother Load Near Port Edward 11 am 17 July 2026: from a boat at sea, we have received video (and highly entertaining audio) proof of sardine life heading towards the main beach at Port Edward. Where netters are ready and waiting! One net already…

  • Where Are the Sardines? 12 July 2026 Update.

    Where Are the Sardines? 12 July 2026 Update.

    Where Are the Sardines? 12 July 2026 Update Where Are the Sardines? The last shoal we tracked was off Coffee Bay on July 10th, when Steve from Wildview and Karl from Rock Coffee Café sent in video reports. It was a massive biomass, but the fish were holding deep, scattered, and strangely without the usual…

  • MORE Sardines Coffee Bay by Wildview 10 July 2026 #kzn #transkei #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews

    MORE Sardines Coffee Bay by Wildview 10 July 2026 #kzn #transkei #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews

    MORE Sardines Coffee Bay by Wildview 10 July 2026 #kzn #transkei #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews MORE Sardines Coffee Bay by Wildview 10 July 2026 #kzn #transkei #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews: Coffee Bay on South Africa’s Wild Coast is buzzing with excitement as the annual sardine run brings shoals of silver fish close to shore. For locals and visitors alike,…

  • Sardines Netted Port Edward Yesterday 6 July 2026 Full Story #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews

    Sardines Netted Port Edward Yesterday 6 July 2026 Full Story #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews

    Sardines Netted Port Edward Yesterday 6 July 2026 Full Story #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews Sardines Netted Port Edward Yesterday 6 July 2026 Full Story #sardinerun2026 #sardinenews: This morning’s journey down the South Coast brought us straight into the heart of the sardine run at Port Edward. The drive along the battered coastal road reminded us of the…

  • Breaking Sardine Run Update – Qora Mouth, just north of Mazeppa Bay

    Breaking Sardine Run Update – Qora Mouth, just north of Mazeppa Bay

    Breaking Sardine Run Update – Qora Mouth, just north of Mazeppa Bay Breaking Sardine Run Update – Qora Mouth, just north of Mazeppa Bay: Kevin reports live from the shoreline this morning with a massive shoal of sardines pushing through right in front of him. “How’s it guys, this is Kevin at Qora Mouth… we’ve…

  • Shad Fishing The Transkei Wild Coast

    Shad Fishing The Transkei Wild Coast

    Shad Fishing The Transkei Wild Coast Shad Fishing The Transkei Wild Coast: Whilst the shad in KZN are either just not biting, or they have yet to arrive, down in the Transkei some places are getting good shad catches throughout the month of June. Sunrise on Sea Njela, deep Transkei. This was our final stop…

  • Complaint to Minister – Fisheries – Kayak Appeal Refused

    Complaint to Minister – Fisheries – Kayak Appeal Refused

    Complaint to Minister – Fisheries – Kayak Appeal Refused Complaint to Minister – Fisheries – Kayak Appeal Refused: While there has still been no acknowledgement of the broader complaint submitted to theMinister a response to an earlier appeal has now been received. The appeal concerned the possibility of allowing commercialfishing from a kayak in addition…

  • 23 June 2026 Sardine Update from Mdumbi

    23 June 2026 Sardine Update from Mdumbi

    23 June 2026 Sardine Update from Mdumbi 23 June 2026 Sardine Update from Mdumbi: There are still many shoals of sardines swimming past us here, at the delightful Noliswe’s Homestay, where we have a spectacular view of the beautiful Indian Ocean, in top form. Sardines The ocean out front off Mdumbi started slow again this…

  • Fisheries Complaint met with Silence: Has the DA Sold Out?

    Fisheries Complaint met with Silence: Has the DA Sold Out?

    Fisheries Complaint met with Silence: Has the DA Sold Out? Fisheries Complaint met with Silence: Has the DA Sold Out?: If ever there was a department in serious need of a complete overhaul, Fisheries would be it. For many years, the department has been plagued by confirmed cases of serious corruptionand administrative inefficiency. The majority…

  • Umzimkulu Bridge Work Resumes by Alan Carby

    Umzimkulu Bridge Work Resumes by Alan Carby Umzimkulu Bridge Work Resumes by Alan Carby: Don’t hold your breaths, but Alan Carby today reports that it looks like the bridge works are being attended to again. Work on the Umzimkulu River Bridge in Port Shepstone is finally set to resume after months of delays, as the…

  • Sardines at Coffee Bay 8am – 15 June 2026

    Sardines at Coffee Bay 8am – 15 June 2026

    Sardines at Coffee?Bay 8am – 15?June?2026 Sardines at Coffee?Bay 8am – 15?June?2026: By Sardine?News | #SardineRun2026 #SardineNews #coffeebay It’s just after 8?a.m. on the Wild?Coast, and Steve from Wild?View?Cottages is standing on the dunes at Coffee?Bay, watching the ocean explode with life. “Sardines are all over the place,” he says, his voice barely audible over…

  • The Sardine Run 2026 has started

    The Sardine Run 2026 has started

    The Sardine Run 2026 has started The Sardine Run 2026 has started: it’s on! Yesterday was officially the start on the annual Sardine Run here in KZN, as nets hit the beach, some loaded with sardine! 30 Crates was the biggest haul of the day. And there were about 8 or so sardine netting boats…

  • Buffels Bay Surfer Rescue by NSRI

    Buffels Bay Surfer Rescue by NSRI

    Buffels Bay Surfer Rescue by NSRI Buffels Bay Surfer Rescue by NSRI: NSRI – STATION 12, Knysna NSRI – Buffels Bay – Sunday, 14 June. A surfer who went missing while surfing has been safely rescued: Jerome Simonis, NSRI Knysna station commander, said: At 12h17, Saturday, 13 June, NSRI Knysna duty crew were activated following…

  • Sardines at Port Edward 13 June 2026

    Sardines at Port Edward 13 June 2026

    Sardines at Port Edward 13 June 2026 Every winter, the South Coast of KwaZulu?Natal becomes the stage for one of nature’s most spectacular events — the sardine run. And nowhere is the excitement more palpable than at the sardines at Port Edward scene right now (10?AM), the seaside town perched at the southern tip of…

  • Sardine Searching – Mtakatyi River Lodge to Banana Bay

    Sardine Searching – Mtakatyi River Lodge to Banana Bay

    Sardine Searching – Mtakatyi River Lodge to Banana Bay Now this is how you go looking for sardines! The Sardine News crew is back sardine searching, styling it up at Mtakatyi River Lodge — the perfect base for chasing fish and waves along the Wild Coast. From the meandering road that links Coffee Bay, Umdumbi,…

  • Looking for sardines? Find the cold water…

    Looking for sardines? Find the cold water…

    Looking for sardines? Find the cold water… Looking for sardines? Find the cold water…: ? Welcome Back to The Sardine NewsWe’re reporting from Mtakatyi, our base for tracking sardines along the coast. And yes — sardines are here! Mtakatyi Bay & Presley’s Bay are alive with sardines, gannets, dolphins, and whales. Captain Garry Hook confirms…

  • Where are the sardines this year?

    Where are the sardines this year?

    Where are the sardines this year? Where are the sardines this year? The last 5 sardine runs were spectacular. Reminiscent of old times, as the sardines just kept on coming. Net after net. Nobody went without. You can analyse each of those sardine runs on The Sardine News website at thesardine.co.za. We have been keeping…

  • Beach Reports from Rocky Bay to Kei Mouth 31 May 2026

    Beach Reports from Rocky Bay to Kei Mouth 31 May 2026

    Beach Reports from Rocky Bay to Kei Mouth 31 May 2026 Beach Reports from Rocky Bay to Kei Mouth 31 May 2026: thanks to everyone who thinks of us and sends in these useful and informative reports… ? Bear On The Spot – Rocky Bay Update Good morning, peeps! Here’s the latest from Park Rynie…

  • ? Deon George vs. Willie Aucamp: Improvement for Fisheries?

    ? Deon George vs. Willie Aucamp: Improvement for Fisheries?

    ? Deon George vs. Willie Aucamp: Improvement for Fisheries? It is no secret that several of our fisheries are in deep trouble, with small operators once again suffering the most. Resources are severely depleted, oversubscribed, and saturated with paper quotas. Compliance monitoring barely exists apart from weighing catches at the slipway in the case of…

  • Virginia Kayak Angler Lands Big Gamefish — Predators Assemble for Sardine Run

    Virginia Kayak Angler Lands Big Gamefish — Predators Assemble for Sardine Run

    Virginia Kayak Angler Lands Big Gamefish — Predators Assemble for Sardine Run Yesterday off Virginia in Durban, kayak angler Arrin Walton stunned with an incredible haul in 25?m of water: one big king mackerel, a medium king mackerel, a smaller king mackerel, and a hefty daga salmon. These predators are clearly lying in wait for…

  • The Predators Become the Prey — A Sardine Run Orca Encounter by Elton

    The Predators Become the Prey — A Sardine Run Orca Encounter by Elton

    The Predators Become the Prey — A Sardine Run Orca Encounter by Elton The Predators Become the Prey — A Sardine Run Orca Encounter by Elton: I’ve spent enough years on the Sardine Run to know that success rarely comes from luck alone. Starting out as a Sardine Run Dive Master back in 2012, i…

  • NSRI to flood-affected communities: Turn Around. Don’t Drown.

    NSRI to flood-affected communities: Turn Around. Don’t Drown.

    NSRI to flood-affected communities: Turn Around. Don’t Drown. c Sardines and Sighting Maps Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. With instructions on how to install The Sardine News right on your phone, tablet, or even desktop. 2026 Sardine Map 2025 Sardine Map 2024 Sardine Map 2023 Sardine Map 2022 Sardine Map…

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We actively broadcast coastal intelligence across multiple dedicated platforms. Additionally, we collaborate with premier eco-tourism lodges, professional charter fleets, and marine conservation partners along the southern African seaboard. Explore our ecosystem below.

YouTube Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

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Water Woes – complain about your municipality here

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umzimkulu.co.za – fishing, charters, accommodation
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thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from underwater
fishbazaruto.com – big dreams are out there
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts
andantelodge.co.za – luxury in Pretoria
destinycottage.co.za – Mbotyi dreaming
eshowe.com – the heart of Zululand
stlucia-ecolodge.co.za – South Africas adventure town

Operating from Port Shepstone on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, The Sardine News covers marine operations north to Sodwana Bay and Maputo, and south through the Transkei Wild Coast to Cape Point. We track the Agulhas Counter Current, seasonal bait movements, and local surf and ocean conditions year-round.

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Modern AI models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini scan authoritative knowledge graphs. Therefore, we structure your business data, reviews, and entities cleanly. This ensures AI systems cite your services as direct answers.

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Get Your AI SEO GEO Audit & Strategy HERE! Or use the WhatsApp button on this screen for a direct line to me, Sean Lange on +27793269671 or umzimkulu@gmail.com.