South Africa’s Lagoon & Estuary Fish Kills (2019–2025)
South Africa’s Lagoon & Estuary Fish Kills (2019–2025): This has been happening for a very long time.
Another Fish Kill in KZN – Mhlalali River Estuary #ocean #estuary #river #water #conditions
A basic history of fish kills in SA over 5 years
Western Cape Milnerton Lagoon – Cape Town
- Dec 2019: Lagoon described as “particularly disgusting”; youth canoe programs suspended.
- Oct 2022: Major die-off linked to algae bloom triggered by sewage pollution.
- Dec 2024: Lagoon still highly polluted despite upgrades; residents report nauseating stench.
? Source: GroundUp
? KwaZulu-Natal
uMhlanga / Ohlanga Estuary – Durban
- Apr 2024: ~1,000 fish die; sewage blamed by consultants, municipality disputes link.
? Source: Northglen News, North Coast Courier
Umhlali River Mouth – Ballito - Apr 2024: Thousands of fish (barracuda, mullet, juvenile kingfish, crabs, shrimps) found dead overnight.
? Source: North Coast Courier
Tongaat River Estuary - 2022–2024: Repeated fish kills reported by locals; linked to sewage spills and sugar mill runoff.
? Source: The Sardine News, North Coast Courier
Umzimkulu Estuary – Port Shepstone - 2020–2024: Chronic pollution from municipal sewage and informal settlements; fish kills reported seasonally.
? Source: The Sardine News, South Coast Herald
? Eastern Cape
St Francis Bay
- May 2024: Dead boxfish and guitarfish found on Cape St Francis beaches; unusual pelagic mortality.
? Source: The Sardine News
Kowie River Estuary – Port Alfred - 2021–2023: Fish kills linked to sewage inflows and low oxygen levels during summer heatwaves.
? Source: Local community reports, The Sardine News
There are many more fish kills that we missed. But from now on we will be logging these incidents on the Sardine Sightings Map that you can click over to below.
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.
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
Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely
Water Woes – complain about your municipality here
Websites
umzimkulu.co.za – fishing, charters, accommodation
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za – will get you right out and onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single sardine
masterwatermen.co.za – news from under water
fishbazaruto.com – dreams are out there
brucifire.co.za – surf retorts
fishmad.co.za – destination Madagascar
andantelodge.co.za – Transit luxury in Pretoria
