The eThekwini Municipality has announced an immediate ban on swimming at all southern beaches due to the annual sardine run, a natural phenomenon that draws both marine life and tourists to KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline.
According to a public notice swimming has been prohibited from 2 June 2025 until further notice. The move follows the removal of shark nets, a precaution taken each year to allow for the safe passage of marine life — particularly sharks that follow the sardine shoals during their migration.
Authorities have urged beachgoers and residents to respect the restrictions for their safety, as the absence of shark nets increases the risk of marine animal encounters.
The municipality has not given a specific timeline for when the ban will be lifted but assures the public that updates will be provided in due course.
The sardine run, often referred to as "The Greatest Shoal on Earth," typically occurs between May and July and is a major draw for tourists, divers, and marine enthusiasts.