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Scientists Identify Pilchard Herpesvirus Behind South Africa Sardine Die-Off

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 12:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment identified pilchard herpesvirus as cause of sardine die-off.
Dead sardines first appeared on 28 July near Saldanha Bay and washed up along 2,600 km of coastline by early August.
Twelve independent scientists urged an immediate halt to commercial sardine fishing while the die-off is assessed.
The Southern African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association warned a closure could dent economy by over 1.2 bn rand (£55 m).

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Story summary

South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment identified pilchard herpesvirus as cause of sardine die-off.
Dead sardines first appeared on 28 July near Saldanha Bay and washed up along 2,600 km of coastline by early August.
Twelve independent scientists urged an immediate halt to commercial sardine fishing while the die-off is assessed.
The Southern African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association warned a closure could dent economy by over 1.2 bn rand (£55 m).