Precautionary Fishing Measures Remain in Place for Sardine Mortality Event in Western Cape

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment monitors the 2026 sardine mortality event in the Western Cape. An isolated fresh sardine stranding was reported near Mbotyi on the northern Wild Coast on September 11, 2026. A precautionary fisheries measure remains in place until October 2, 2026, applying west and east of Cape Agulhas. Under this measure, each right holder may land no more than 25% of its outstanding 2026 directed sardine total allowable catch.

The measures are precautionary, as available evidence did not indicate the sardine population had recovered sufficiently to warrant complete closure. The strongest identified biological factor associated with the event is Pilchard herpesvirus. The management of the fishery is ongoing as monitoring and scientific work continue.