EXCITEMENT WITH A DASH OF CONCERN IN ALGOA BAY
By Jake Keeton

1. News

The exciting news is we have started to see some small sardine bait balls in Algoa Bay. The bad news is that some of this precious resource is going to waste. 

During one of our recent cruises, we were amazed when we came across multiple Bryde’s Whales lunge feeding on a ball of sardines that was chased together by a large pod of Common Dolphins. Knowing that there are some sardines around already and seeing this occasional feeding activity in the bay gives us high hopes for when the main event begins. We expect our annual Sardine Run to kick off during the second half of April through to the end of May/early June. We look forward to having you all on board during these months.

Later this day we came across what appeared to be more than a ton of dead sardines floating on the surface. The dead fish had attracted hundreds of Cape Gannets, kelp gulls and numerous shark species. We spent some time observing the scene and trying to photograph the Bronze Whaler and Ragged Tooth Sharks as they gorged themselves on the floating sardines. There were mixed feelings of excitement and concern on the boat. It was amazing to have a clear view of the sharks in the clean water, but why were all these sardines lying dead on the surface?

We suspect that these sardines came from a fishing vessel that dumped their catch. Our best guess is that they either caught more than what their quota allowed, or they were not happy with the quality of their catch and dumped it in order to catch fish of a better size or quality. We will be looking into this and will hopefully have more answers soon.

Cape Gannets flying overhead close to St Croix island

This Bryde’s Whale proceeded to lunge feed numerous times as the Common Dolphins keep the fish under control.

Cape Gannets diving on a baitball.

Common Dolphins are responsible for chasing down the fish and pushing them against the surface in a tight ball, making it easy for them and other predators to feed.

Dead Sardines floating on the surface in Algoa Bay (Suspected Dumping from fishing vessels).

1. Bronze Whaler Shark feeding on Sardines.