The need for greater environmental protection has been highlighted at this year's ongoing sardine run in South Africa, with activists warning of the risks posed to one of the country's great natural phenomena.
Every year from May to July, millions of sardines migrate along the eastern coast of South Africa, traveling over 1,000 kilometers, making it one of the largest and most spectacular migrations in the world.
The annual event is a source of great pride and excitement for people living in coastal areas of the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
"We are excited that the fish is here in the sardine run for 2025. We are happy for this fish coming to South Africa and for KZN (KwaZulu-Natal)," said a local fisherman.
However, residents and environmental volunteers are taking action to alleviate the burden on the sea caused by human activity, including plastic waste and pollution, with volunteers hitting beaches to clear away the litter.
"It's one of the last massive migrations of animals that exist. It's really important, and hundreds and hundreds of species rely on that migration, maybe not on the sardines themselves, but on what comes with them. The human impact on the ocean threatens the water temperatures and things like that, and threatens to change the natural phenomena. Don't leave your stuff there, it all ends up in the oceans. [Cleaning the beach] is probably the biggest thing we can do to try and help this and sustain it," said Gary Snodgrass, owner of the Blue Ocean Dive Resort, a popular tourist site offering activities in the area.
Last Thursday, South Africa unveiled its inaugural Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan, a strategic initiative to enhance resilience in coastal areas facing climate threats. The initiative aims to support the country's ocean economy goals while safeguarding critical sectors like tourism and fisheries.
Environmental protection highlighted at annual sardine run in South Africa
