The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in South Africa has approved revised interim sardine catch limits, allowing commercial fishing to resume until 30 November. This decision comes as scientists continue investigating a mass mortality event where pilchard herpesvirus has been detected. The interim measures permit companies to catch about 2 800 tonnes of sardines west of Cape Agulhas and 2 700 tonnes east of the landmark.
The interim catch limits can increase by 80% in either area if catches exceed half of the initial allocation by 15 November. This flexibility is designed to allow allocations to increase in areas where catches improve. The decision follows continued uncertainty about the scale of the mortality event, first reported off Saldanha Bay on 28 July. Reports indicate that pilchard herpesvirus was present around Cape Agulhas before the first reported mortalities farther west.
Testing is ongoing for pilchard herpesvirus, which has been detected in sardine samples associated with the mortality event. The virus was found in two samples taken from apparently healthy sardines during a recruit survey around Cape Agulhas on 22 and 29 July. This suggests the virus may have been present further east before the first mass mortalities were reported. Additionally, the virus was detected in samples collected during a small sardine wash-up at Mossel Bay on 23 October.
No further widespread sardine mortalities have been reported, although monitoring and testing continue. Studies of pilchard herpesvirus in Australia found that infected sardines could develop gill lesions before dying, with a modelled incubation period of up to 12 days. The department emphasizes that the virus is a fish virus and is not known to infect people, and commercial sardine products released through regulated channels remain safe for consumption.
The department has warned the public not to 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 Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. This precaution is crucial to prevent potential risks to human health and the environment.
The interim catch limits are a temporary measure to allow commercial sardine fishing to resume while investigations into the mass mortality event continue. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is working closely with scientists to understand the cause and extent of the mortality event and to develop a long-term plan to manage the sardine fishery.
The resumption of commercial sardine fishing under interim limits is a relief to the fishing industry, which had been impacted by the previous restrictions. The industry will be closely monitoring the situation and working with the department to ensure that the fishery is managed sustainably and responsibly.
Key points
- The pilchard herpesvirus is not known to infect people, and commercial sardine products remain safe for consumption.
