
A Storm Was Brewing – Lighthouse Photo Of The Day by Clive Wright
See more of Clive’s stunning photos, like A Storm Was Brewing, on Facebook
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See more of Clive’s stunning photos, like A Storm Was Brewing, on Facebook
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Cape St Francis Waterspout – a waterspout is a mild form of a tornado that forms over water, dissipates quickly and usually poses little threat or danger.
Local resident Christelle Van Wyk captured the image outside her house in Cape St Francis.
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St Francis Tourism info
Our photo of the day is ‘Satisfied Pooch Berea Durban‘, showcasing our fondness for discovering incredible animal images when we run the Photo Of The Day imagery. If you have any cool photos that you would like to be showcased, please send them in.
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Cape St Francis Beach After The Storm – Photo Of The Day with photo by Clive Wright Photography
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The Sardine Run – Photo Of The Day
Each winter, a remarkable phenomenon unfolds along South Africa’s eastern coastline, the Sardine Run. Often described as one of the greatest marine migrations on Earth, it involves billions of Sardinops sagax (South African pilchards) moving northward from the cold waters off the Agulhas Bank toward the subtropical coastlines of KwaZulu-Natal. This event is triggered by a seasonal drop in sea temperatures, creating a narrow band of cold water that hugs the coastline and allows the sardines to travel along a corridor that’s normally too warm for their liking.
What makes the Sardine Run extraordinary isn’t just the sheer biomass involved, but the intricate ecological interactions it initiates. As the sardines move in massive shoals, they become the target of a highly coordinated feeding frenzy. This involves apex predators and opportunists alike. Common dolphins work together to herd the sardines into tightly packed bait balls, creating the perfect hunting scenario. Cape gannets dive-bomb from the sky with astonishing speed and precision. Sharks, bronze whalers, duskies, and blacktips, carve through the schools with unrelenting efficiency. Whales arrive to scoop up thousands in a single mouthful.
This natural spectacle is not just a feeding event but an intricate ballet of biology, oceanography, and evolution. It highlights the interconnectedness of marine species and underscores the importance of healthy ecosystems. The run provides essential nutrients and feeding opportunities for predators, supports artisanal and commercial fisheries. It draws marine biologists, documentarians, and tourists from around the world.
Yet, the Sardine Run is also sensitive to changes in ocean temperature, currents, and climate. Some years, the shoals barely appear. This reminds us that even the most enduring natural events are vulnerable to environmental instability.
In essence, the Sardine Run is a living testament to the complexity, beauty, and fragility of the marine world.
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