The Sardines have arrived: 2026 run officially begins on KZN South Coast
· The South African
One of South Africa’s most eagerly anticipated natural events is officially underway.
Visit palladian.co.za for more information.
The 2026 sardine season kicked off on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on Saturday morning (13 June) after seine netters successfully hauled in the first sardine net at Splash Rock Beach in Port Edward, sparking excitement among locals, visitors and fishermen alike.
The catch drew crowds to the shoreline, with beachgoers gathering to witness the first signs of the annual migration that transforms stretches of the KZN coastline into a hive of activity every winter.
For many coastal communities, the first successful netting is the moment that signals the official start of sardine season.
The Sardine Run – A major event for coastal communities
@waynecarter128SARDINES AREBOUT #sardinesrun2026 #FISHINGKZN #KZNFISHING @🌊 Chilliwhip 🌊 @Navrone Latchmigadu @AIDAN😈INKS😈 @HMP BRAIDED FISHING LINE
♬ original sound – Wayne’s Fishing 🇿🇦 🐟🎣 🐟
The arrival of the sardines is about much more than just fishing.
Each year, the migration attracts anglers, divers, tourists, photographers and nature enthusiasts from across South Africa and beyond.
The event also provides an important boost for local businesses, including restaurants, accommodation providers, tour operators and fishing-related enterprises.
While Saturday’s catch marks the official start of the season, many believe the best may still be to come.
As the migration continues northward, more nettings are expected along the coastline, with fishing communities keeping a close eye on ocean conditions and sardine movements.
The ‘greatest shoal on Earth’
Often referred to as the “greatest shoal on Earth“, the sardine run is regarded as one of the world’s most remarkable marine migrations.
During the annual event, vast shoals of sardines move along South Africa’s eastern coastline, attracting an extraordinary array of marine predators, including dolphins, sharks, whales, seabirds and game fish.
The spectacle has earned international recognition and is frequently compared to some of the planet’s most famous wildlife migrations.