DFFE investigates reports of widespread Sardine mortality along the Western Cape Coast

02 August 2026

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is investigating reports of dead and dying sardines at several locations along the Western Cape coast, from Saldanha Bay to Gansbaai.

Fish have been reported washing ashore, while dead and dying sardines have also been observed drifting at the surface as far as eight nautical miles offshore near Hout Bay. The Department has received photographs, videos and reports from fishers and members of the public.

The first fish samples were collected off Saldanha Bay on Saturday, 1 August 2026, with the assistance of the fishing vessel Shivon. The samples were received by the Department on Sunday morning, 2 August, and examination and diagnostic testing will begin on Monday, 3 August. Scientific observers have also been deployed aboard purse-seine fishing vessels to collect further information on the distribution and extent of the mortality.

A harmful algal bloom caused by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella is currently present in the Saldanha Bay area. However, given the wide geographic extent of the reported sardine mortality, it cannot at this stage be assumed that this bloom is responsible for all the reported mortalities.

The investigation will consider a range of possible causes, including harmful algal blooms and associated toxins, environmental conditions and fish disease. No cause has yet been confirmed, and conclusions should not be drawn before the samples and available environmental information have been assessed.

As a precaution, members of the public are strongly advised not to collect, handle or consume dead or dying fish found on beaches or floating at sea. The Department will provide further information once initial test results are available.

For media queries, please contact:

Zolile Nqayi
Mobile: 082 898 6483 
E-mail: znqayi@dffe.gov.za