The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) said that no new mass sardine mortality incidents have been reported on the West Coast.
Thousands of dead and dying sardines began washing ashore along parts of the Western Cape coastline earlier this month from Saldanha Bay to Cape Agulhas, including beaches in Cape Town.
ALSO READ: Investigation underway after reports of dying sardines along Western Cape coast
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town said its clean-up teams are busy removing a mass of dead sardines washed ashore between Silwerstroomstrand and Milnerton.
Environment officials said that evidence points to pilchard herpes virus as a possible explanation for the sardine deaths.
DFFE spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said that further testing is under way to confirm whether the virus caused the incident.
“The mass sardine die-off along the West Cost appears to be easing, with no new incidents reported since 16 August. Testing points to pilchard herpes virus is a likely cause. A fish virus that poses no risk to human health. Harmful algae has been ruled out.”
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Carlo Petersen
www.ewn.co.za