The Sardine Run, also known as the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’, is a natural phenomenon that sees massive sardine shoals move along South Africa’s east coast toward KwaZulu-Natal. With them, comes all sorts of predators: gannets, dolphins, sharks, whales and more. It is an incredible display of oceanic food chains.
This year has been a bit different though. With lockdown restrictions in place, those not residing near the Eastern Cape or KZN coast have had to live vicariously through social media to get their fix of the Run.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Environmental Affairs announced on June 13 that only those with permits are allowed to participate in this year’s Sardine Run, not members of the public according to Update South Africa.
Take a look at some of the impressive photos and footage of this year’s Sardine Run below:
Finalist – My Broken Heart – This was taken during the 2019 Sardine Run, at Port St Johns. The belief had always been that without the
presence of fast-moving common dolphins, other predators are incapable of keeping a bait ball
together. However, here the blacktip sharks formed a virtual cage around the fish, trapping any possible escape routes. It was a moving experience and I could not help but feel sorry for the school of
sardines, which is where my image title comes from.
By Geo Cloete, Wellington.
Nikon D300, Tokina 10-17mm, ISO 200, f/13, 1/200sec
They’re here!
Photo: Southern Cross Cruises #sardinerun2020 #eastlondon #easterncape pic.twitter.com/lFo96Gh8Qs
— Buffalo City Tourism (@bcmtourism) May 26, 2020
Image credit: Geo Cloete / Getaway Gallery
Read: Sardines, sharks and the South Coast
Also read: Sardine Run begins in Ramsgate, KwaZulu-Natal
