With the dead sardines warning issued by Kouga Municipality, residents and beachgoers in St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis are being asked to keep an eye out for dead or dying sardines following the detection of Pilchard Herpesvirus (PHV) and reports of fish washing ashore elsewhere along the South African coastline.

To be absolutely. clear, there have been no reported sardine wash-ups in the St Francis area at this stage, but Kouga Local Municipality has issued a precautionary warning as the situation continues along other sections of the coast.

What To Look Out For

Large numbers of dead and dying sardines have washed ashore at several locations along the Western and Southern Cape coastline during August, while sardines have also recently been reported on five beaches in Gqeberha.

These include 1st Beacon, Pollok Beach, Hobie Beach, Humewood Beach and Kings Beach.

With St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis sitting between affected stretches of coastline, local residents are being asked to remain alert should sardines begin washing ashore here.

Pilchard Herpesvirus Detected

Kouga Local Municipality said Pilchard Herpesvirus has been detected in connection with sardines washing ashore along the coastline.

The municipality has advised people not to touch, handle, collect or consume sardines found washed up on the beach.

The same precaution applies to pets and other animals. Fish found on the shoreline should not be fed to animals.

What To Do If You Find Sardines

Anyone who notices dead or dying sardines washed ashore anywhere along the Kouga coastline should leave the fish where they are and report the location to Kouga Local Municipality.

Reports can be made by calling 042 200 2200, allowing municipal officials to assess the situation and take any necessary action.

Authorities continue to monitor sardine mortality along the South African coastline, including testing and investigation into affected fish.

For now, St Francis beaches remain unaffected by any reported wash-up. However, with incidents recorded elsewhere along the coast, residents walking, surfing or spending time on local beaches are encouraged to keep an eye out and report anything unusual.

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