Sardine activity along KZN coast ‘to boost tourism’
Tourism officials on the KZN south coast say they are preparing for an influx of visitors to their shores after the annual sardine run got underway recently.
Shoals of the silver fish were spotted in the Eastern Cape over the past couple of weeks.
On Friday, a pilot shoal was seen making its way into waters on the south coast.
More fish activity was reported on Saturday morning, with a massive shoal stretching from Umbango, past the Port Shepstone lighthouse and all the way to the bay at Umzimkhulu.
Unfortunately, the tide was too high and the shore break was too big for anglers.
Attempts to net the fish were made later at Hibberdene and Mfazazana
Eventually, local fishermen hauled in three nets at Elysium on Sunday.
South Coast Tourism CEO Phelisa Mangcu says they are expecting more sardine action.
"The sardine fever is in the air. Netting has taken place at beaches such as Elysium and Scottburgh. The sardine run is a major draw card for tourism in the area and is considered a calendar highlight.
"It is a significant boost to the local economy, for the local accommodation eateries and tourism establishments."
