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The sardine run occurs from May through July when billions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa.
Lifesaving South Africa is advising all beachgoers and ocean users along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline to stay updated with local municipal notices regarding beach closures, as the 2025 Sardine Run has officially begun.
Some beaches along the southern part of eThekwini in Durban have been closed to bathers as shark nets have been lifted.
The lifting of the nets during the sardine migration is to allow free and safe movement of ocean life.
Lifesaving South Africa’s Dhaya Sedwuth says, “The eThekwini municipality has issued an advisory that beaches along the southern parts of Durban have been closed as the shark nets have been lifted. So, be advised that no bathing would be permitted, and they should refrain from entering the ocean as they place themselves at greater risk.
The sardines have already reached Warner Beach, moving northwards along the coastline. It means that there’s high connectivity of knitting, fishing, and other activities on the ocean and bathers are advised that they should not go into the water if the beaches are closed in that part of the coastline, ” adds Sedwuth.
 
