Deadly Virus Stalks South Africa's Sardines
Scientists found PHV genetic material in dead and healthy sardines, while officials say the scale of the mortality remains uncertain.
- On August 27, 2026, widespread reports emerged of sardines washing ashore around Gqeberha, fueling fears that a virus linked to devastating overseas die-offs is spreading through South African waters; the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is investigating.
- Genetic sequencing confirmed Pilchard Herpesvirus in South African waters this July, showing more than 99 percent similarity to the Australian strain that devastated sardine populations in the 1990s, which DFFE officials identify as the leading explanation.
- Dead fish clogged a cooling-water intake basin at Koeberg nuclear power station, while conservationists warn the loss of sardines could intensify pressures on African penguin colonies. "Now, with this virus, we don't know what to expect. We are worried indeed," veteran Durban fisherman Bonny Adams said.
- An intergovernmental task team met on August 26, 2026, to develop a response plan covering surveillance, testing, and disposal of dead fish. Namibian authorities have agreed to provide samples for PHV testing to assist regional investigations.
- The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will meet on September 4, 2026, to review findings and consider management measures, while the scale of mortality remains uncertain. DFFE plans an annual hydroacoustic survey later this year to assess stock impact.
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South Africa: Authorities Probe Reports of Sardine Deaths in Gqeberha
[SAnews.gov.za] The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says it is investigating reports of sardines washing ashore around Gqeberha, as well as fish floating offshore and within the harbour.
Along Hobie and Pollock beaches, stunned residents watched as waves washed even more fish ashore, raising fears that a virus that had already caused mass die-offs of sardines abroad might be responsible. "It was a heartbreaking sight," said the local environmental group Algoa Bay Conservation. "We received a lot of calls in the aftermath," recalls Nadine Strydom, a professor in the zoology department at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizab…
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Deadly Virus Stalks South Africa's Sardines
The wash-up has intensified concerns that pilchard herpesvirus, or PHV, a disease that devastated sardine populations in Australia and New Zealand in the 1990s, may be spreading through South African waters. The post Deadly Virus Stalks South Africa’s Sardines appeared first on Channels Television.
Thousands of dead sardines have been found stranded on the coasts of South Africa. One virus is said to be the cause, PHV, which has already decimated sardines populations in Australia and New Zealand. A worrying situation while sardine is one of the key elements of a marine food chain that could be totally affected.
The tide deposited thousands of dead sardines on the south coast of South Africa last week.
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