DFFE Gqeberha: Sardine Mortality Investigation Launched Amid New Deaths

• The DFFE is investigating widespread sardine deaths in Gqeberha, including fish washing ashore and floating offshore and within the harbor, following earlier isolated sightings.
• Pilchard Herpesvirus (PHV) is the leading explanation for the Western Cape mortality event and is considered a likely, though unconfirmed, link to the Gqeberha incidents.
• An intergovernmental task team met on August 26, 2026, to develop a response plan, and the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will meet on September 4, 2026, to assess implications for South Africa fisheries management.
• A joint DFFE and NRCS statement on August 27, 2026, confirmed there is no basis to discontinue consumption of commercially produced canned sardines processed under NRCS oversight.
• Sardine strandings have also been reported along the Namibian coast, with Namibian authorities agreeing to provide samples for Pilchard Herpesvirus testing.

The ongoing DFFE Gqeberha sardine mortality investigation, particularly the findings from the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group, could significantly influence future fisheries management policies and quotas.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has initiated a comprehensive DFFE Gqeberha sardine mortality investigation following reports of significant sardine deaths in the region. This probe encompasses sardines observed washing ashore around Gqeberha, as well as those found floating offshore and within the harbor. These recent incidents mark a notable shift, as the department had previously reported no new mass-mortality events since August 16, 2026, apart from isolated sightings near Bakoven and off Tsitsikamma. However, widespread reports of sardine strandings and floating fish emerged on August 27, 2026, prompting the current intensified inquiry.

Separately, an incident involving live and dead sardines within the Koeberg cooling-water intake basin has been reported, with seals observed feeding on the fish. While Eskom is managing this specific occurrence, the DFFE has not been granted direct access to the site. Nevertheless, the department successfully obtained a sardine sample from this location for testing, integrating it into the broader Gqeberha fish deaths probe. This indicates a concerted effort to gather data from various affected areas to understand the full scope of the mortality.

Pilchard Herpesvirus (PHV) remains the primary suspected cause for the earlier Western Cape mortality event. The DFFE considers a link between this virus and the current Gqeberha event to be probable, though confirmation is still pending. Beyond PHV, the investigation is also exploring other potential causes and environmental factors that might contribute to the sardine deaths. Samples are actively being collected for further laboratory analysis, while observers are tasked with documenting the distribution of affected fish and attempting systematic counts at sea to gauge the scale of the problem.

In response to the escalating situation, an intergovernmental task team convened on August 26, 2026, to strategize and coordinate efforts. During this meeting, responsibilities were assigned, and a comprehensive response plan was further developed. This plan outlines key areas of action, including surveillance, testing protocols, the appropriate disposal of dead fish, public communication strategies, and an assessment of the potential impact on sardine stock levels.

The DFFE has acknowledged concerns raised by various conservation organizations regarding the sardine mortality. A critical next step in the DFFE Gqeberha sardine mortality investigation involves the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group, which is scheduled to meet on September 4, 2026. This group will undertake a thorough review of the latest findings and consider their implications for South Africa fisheries management DFFE policies. Their assessment will be instrumental in advising whether additional management measures are necessary to protect the sardine population.

The precise scale of the current mortality event remains uncertain, posing a challenge for immediate management decisions. To address this, a hydroacoustic survey is planned for October and November. This survey is expected to provide essential information regarding the post-event status of the sardine stock, offering crucial data that will inform future fisheries management strategies and potential quota adjustments.

Amidst the ongoing investigation, a joint statement was issued by the DFFE and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) on August 27, 2026. This statement aimed to reassure the public, confirming that there is currently no basis to discontinue the consumption of commercially produced canned sardines. This assurance applies specifically to products processed under the stringent oversight of the NRCS, indicating that these items meet established safety standards despite the recent mortality events.

The DFFE continues its investigation into the new reports of sardine deaths, extending its scope beyond South African borders. Reports of sardine strandings have also emerged along the Namibian coast, prompting collaboration between the two nations. Namibian authorities have agreed to provide samples for Pilchard Herpesvirus (PHV) testing, which will aid in understanding the geographical spread and potential causes of the mortality events across the region. This regional cooperation is vital for a holistic understanding of the ecological challenge.

The ongoing DFFE Gqeberha sardine mortality investigation, particularly the findings from the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group, could significantly influence future fisheries management policies and quotas. The data gathered from the current probe, combined with the results of the upcoming hydroacoustic survey, will provide a clearer picture of the sardine stock's health and resilience. This information is critical for the DFFE to make informed decisions that ensure the sustainability of South Africa's vital sardine fishery.

Lawyers advising clients in the South African fishing industry should closely monitor the outcomes of this investigation and the working group's recommendations, as these could lead to new regulatory frameworks or adjustments to fishing quotas. Similarly, compliance officers in food processing should note the NRCS's current confirmation on the safety of commercially produced canned sardines, while remaining vigilant for any future regulatory advisories that might arise from the evolving understanding of the sardine mortality and its potential impacts.

Lawyers advising clients in the South African fishing industry should monitor the DFFE's ongoing investigation and the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group's findings, as these could lead to new fisheries management measures or quota adjustments. Compliance officers in food processing should note the NRCS's current confirmation on the safety of commercially produced canned sardines, while staying alert for any future regulatory advisories.

Source: Original reporting via SAnews.gov.za