South Africa: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment implements interim sardine catch recommendations

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) approved and implemented the Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group’s recommendation on interim directed sardine catches on 5 November 2026. No directed sardine fishing took place between the previous measures which expired on 31 October 2026 and the new limits taking effect.

The recommendation extends the period for catching the 33% interim limit set in October 2026 through to 30 November 2026. The initial limits are approximately 2,800 tonnes west and 2,700 tonnes east of Cape Agulhas. If catches exceed half of an area’s initial limit by 15 November 2026, i.e. 1 400 tonnes west or 1 350 tonnes east of Cape Agulhas, the limit in that area increases by 80%.

The model projections considered by the SWG-PEL showed only a modest biomass difference between a moratorium and catching the remaining 2026 TAC. The stepped limit reflects the uncertainty surrounding the scale of the mortality event and the poor fishing in September and October 2026, which did not provide enough information to assess sardine availability. The limits allow for an area-specific increase if catch uptake improves. The SWG-PEL will review these limits before they expire, or earlier if necessary.

PHV testing continues on sardine samples collected before, during and after the mortality event. PHV genetic material was detected in two samples from apparently healthy sardines collected during the Department’s recruit survey around Cape Agulhas on 22 and 29 July 2026. The first dead fish were reported off Saldanha Bay on 28 July 2026. These detections indicate that PHV was present around Cape Agulhas before the first reported mortalities farther west, pointing to an earlier spread than mortality reports alone suggested.

The timing is consistent with Australian PHV studies, which reported gill lesions up to four days before death and a modelled incubation period of up to 12 days. PHV was also detected in the sample from the small-sardine wash-up at Mossel Bay on 23 October 2026. No further dead sardines have been reported since.

We have also not received reports or observations indicating an impact on sardine-dependent predators.

Preparations for a fisheries-independent biomass survey are continuing.

PHV is a fish virus and is not known to infect people. Commercial sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe. Members of the public should not collect or consume dead or dying sardines found on beaches or near the shore, feed them to animals, or use them as bait. Any unusual fish mortality should be reported promptly to the relevant coastal authority or the DFFE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.