The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) is urging members of the public not to collect, consume or feed to pets any dead or dying sardines found along the province’s coastline.
The call follows reports of sardine mortalities and strandings along parts of the Eastern Cape coast. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), as the national authority responsible for fisheries and the investigation and management of diseases affecting marine resources, is investigating the mortalities and has confirmed the presence of Pilchard Herpesvirus (PHV) in sampled sardines.
According to DFFE, PHV is not known to infect people or other animals. However, the public is strongly advised not to collect, handle, eat, or feed dead or dying sardines to pets, as fish found dead or stranded may have undergone decomposition and may harbour harmful microorganisms that can cause illness.
DEDEAT, in line with its environmental and waste-management responsibilities, is providing municipalities with guidance on the appropriate management and disposal of dead sardines. Municipalities have the operational responsibility for responding to and managing dead fish that wash ashore within their jurisdictions, in accordance with applicable waste-management requirements.
The Department is working with DFFE, municipalities and other relevant stakeholders to support a coordinated response, including public awareness, environmental management and the appropriate handling of dead fish.
Members of the public are therefore urged to:
• not collect or consume dead or dying sardines found on beaches or floating near the shore.
• not feed dead or dying sardines to pets or other animals.
• avoid unnecessary handling of stranded or dead fish; and
• report significant fish mortalities or large-scale strandings to the relevant municipal authorities or environmental authorities for appropriate assessment and response.
The public is encouraged to rely on information issued by the relevant authorities and to avoid spreading unverified information regarding the sardine mortalities.
