Brief
South Africa reports no new sardine deaths after virus outbreak
The acute phase of the sardine mortality event has subsided, but authorities urge continued vigilance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) announced on 28 September that no new reports of dead or dying sardines have come in the past two weeks, indicating the acute phase of the mortality event has eased. The last incident was a wash‑up near Mbotji on the northern Wild Coast on 10 September. The department cautions that the situation is not yet closed, noting that the Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) remains the strongest biological factor linked to the deaths and that laboratory work is ongoing. Commercial sardine products released through regulated channels are still considered safe, but the public is advised against collecting or consuming dead sardines found on beaches. A temporary precautionary catch limit introduced on 11 September remains in force until 2 October, and the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will review the latest data at its 29 September meeting to advise on future fishery management. The planned end‑of‑year hydroacoustic survey is expected to give the first estimate of sardine biomass and distribution following the event.
Key facts
- No new sardine deaths reported since 10 September (bizcommunity.com)
- PHV identified as main biological factor (bizcommunity.com)
- Precautionary catch limit in force until 2 October (bizcommunity.com)
- Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group to review data on 29 September (bizcommunity.com)
- Commercial sardine products remain safe (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “No further reports of dead sardines: DFFE”
