Sardine Run 2022 off to a good start in Algoa Bay
By Jake Keeton

1. News

Thursday 21 April marked our second sighting of a large bait ball in Algoa Bay. As we were approaching Bird Island at the far Eastern end of Algoa Bays Marine Protected Area, a sizable portion on the horizon was distorted in a blur of splashes. Trying to contain our excitement until we were certain of what we were seeing we headed for the disturbance.

There's nothing quite like approaching a large feeding frenzy. The closer you get, the more you discover in terms of the size, number of predators and intensity of the bait ball. In this case the splashes from roughly two thousand common dolphins chasing down the fish were visible first. Next the large cloud of gannets came into view, diving and circling continuously. Last but not least the blows of Bryde’s whales caught the sun in the centre of it all, the final straw that sent us diving for our camera gear. One needs to make hay while the sun shines as you never know how long the frenzy will last.

Typically, the long beaked common dolphins are key to it all. They use their speed and stamina to chase down and surround a ball of fish, feeding from the bottom and thus forcing the fish to the surface. Cape Gannets, Cormorants and other sea birds then join in from above. Seals and sharks are never far behind and can be seen grabbing what they can in the mix of it all. Bryde’s whales, although slower than the dolphins are never too far behind, and although they didn't start the frenzy, they have no problem finishing it. Four or five adult Bryde’s whales can make short work of a neatly packaged bait ball. It is common to see the gaping mouths of these whales break the surface as they lunge at the centre of the bait ball. When the fish is finished or the predators have eaten their fill, the action is over as quick as it started. There however is still plenty to see as the common dolphins usually group up together and cruise off slowly in search of the next meal. It is at this time that the dolphins can be extremely playful with high spontaneous breaches and flips.

With the amount of East wind that we experienced over the last few months we are expecting a great season for the Sardine Run. Although Easterly winds cause sea conditions which are not favourable for our cruises, they are vital for the health of our coastline. Strong South Easterly winds cause upwelling, bringing nutrient rich water into Algoa Bay. This in turn brings in large concentrations of bait fish which all the predators then follow. Our local African Penguin colonies also rely on this phenomenon to be able to feed closer to their nesting sites on St Croix and Bird Island.

We look forward to our next Sardine Run cruises out into the Bay. Keep an eye on this page for updates on sightings. We look forward to having you all on board to witness this spectacle with us.