Cape Town – The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is investigating reports of deceased and distressed sardines at several locations along the Western Cape coastline, stretching from Saldanha Bay to Gansbaai.
“Sardines have been observed washing up on beaches, and dead or dying fish have been seen floating as far as eight nautical miles offshore near Hout Bay,” the department reported on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
The department has received images, videos, and testimonials from both fishermen and the public.
“Fish samples were collected off Saldanha Bay on Saturday, 1 August 2026, with assistance from the fishing vessel Shivon.” the department mentioned.
“These samples were submitted to the Department on Sunday morning, 2 August 2026, and analysis along with diagnostic tests is scheduled to begin on Monday, 3 August 2026.
“Scientific observers have also been deployed on purse-seine fishing boats to gather further data on the distribution and extent of the fish mortality.”
Additionally, the department noted that a harmful algal bloom linked to the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella has been detected in the Saldanha Bay area.
“However, given the wide geographic spread of the reported sardine deaths, it cannot be concluded at this time that this bloom is the only factor contributing to the fatalities,” the department stated.
“The investigation will examine various potential causes, including harmful algal blooms and their toxins, environmental conditions, and diseases affecting the fish.
“No conclusive cause has been identified yet, and drawing hasty conclusions should be avoided until the samples and relevant environmental data are thoroughly analyzed.”
As a precaution, the department highly recommends that the public refrain from collecting, handling, or consuming any dead or dying fish found on beaches or swimming in the ocean.
The Department will provide additional updates once the initial test results are in.
