The 2009 Sardine run started off in the colder waters south of Africa where the Sardines formed the first of what has now become hundreds of massive swirling Sardine shoals, making massive bait balls of millions of Sardines.
July to August is the peak season for getting down to the coast and getting a chance to witness one of the most awesome of events on Nature’s calendar. You can catch the offical website for the Sardine Run which also has all sorts of stuff going on at the same time on the Coast.
Sensational underwater photo of the 2009 Sardine run by Jean Tresfon
The sardines head north east into the warm Indian Ocean water along the South African east coast off Kwa-Zulu Natal where Sardines and Predators meet, and man can catch a glimp of this epic show as the mass of silver Sardines are set upon by a host of predators.
Sharks, dolphins, gannets, cormorants, seals, Orcas, albatross and penguins all arrive for a piece of the action and some heavy eating. For the next month or so, there is nowhere safe to turn for these Sardines. The dolphins do the hard work by keeping these sardines tightly packed into balls, and the rest of the predators take advantage of this to be able to feed in one place on a Sardine Ball.
Humpback Whale Migration during the Sardine Run
During the Sardine run you can also see the migration of humpback whales that also move North into the warmer waters at the same time. A breaching whale is an amazing site, even more so when you are out on the water watching them or under the water diving.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling during the Sardine Run
This crazy natural spectacle attracts divers from all over the world. Watching from the beach or boats is amazing, but nothing compares to donning your gear and jumping into the mass of animal life under the waves. Experienced and brave divers only!
If your planning on diving, keep up to date on the news of how the run is progressing as it changes and moves along the coast. Im not on the coast now, so this local dive forum may be the best place to stay up to date.
Also try Zulu.org.za for local tourist type information if you want to travel down.
Who fancies a swim?
Sharks and Predators warning from the Sharks Board for your safety during the 2009 Sardine Run
- Always swim at beaches offering the protection of shark nets.
- Obey instructions from the lifeguards and swim between the beacons.
- Do not swim at dawn and dusk when sharks are more active and come inshore to feed.
- Don’t swim in a dirty water or in a river mouth.
- Don’t swim with an open sore as sharks can detect blood in the water.
- Never swim alone.
You can go here to see a whole range of Sardine Run videos on Youtube
Tags: Breeding, Dolphin safe, Fish, Fisheries Management, fishing picture, Sardine Run