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Aliwal Shoal Scuba Diving Aliwalshoal Umkomaas South Africa

Sardine run 2010

Last Updated on Thursday, 15 July 2010 14:38 Written by Mick Clarke Monday, 27 July 2009 00:00

For an up to date Sardine report 2010 click here
http://www.kayakfishingsa.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23:sardine-run-report-2010-and-fishing-report-&catid=1:fishing-news&Itemid=5The greatest shoal on earth The Sardine Run is much more than numerous glistening shoals of sardines moving up the coast. It involves and affects many marine animals and can be witnessed from the shore, the sea or the air, and from above or below the clean waters of the Indian Ocean. Great White Sharks, Copper Sharks, Common Dolphins, and Cape Gannets are four key predators that pursue the shoals northwards along the east coast of South Africa.

The shoals can get up to 20-30km long and the feeding displays that result are spectacular. Sharks and dolphins round up the sardines into huge “bait balls”, only to be consumed by the predators. White clouds of Cape Gannets plunge into the water like jet fighter planes, pods of common dolphins join together to herd the sardines through “super pods” several thousand strong, and hundreds of sharks join in pursuit.

History of Aliwal Shoal

Last Updated on Monday, 09 November 2009 10:23 Written by Mick Clarke Monday, 27 July 2009 00:00

The Aliwal Shoal is a rocky reef which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5km off the coast of KwaZulu Natal South Africa. The reef plays host to many kinds of hard and soft corals and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish species. Aliwal Shoal was named after the sinking of the 3 Masted vessel "Aliwal", Captained by James Anderson in 1849. There are two wrecks near the reef that are prime sites for divers. The Norwegian bulk carrier called the MV Produce which sank in 1974 and the Nebo which sank in 1884. Aliwal Shoal has some stunning marine life which explains its popularity with divers. Rated as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

African watersports

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 August 2009 08:37 Written by Mick Clarke Monday, 27 July 2009 00:00

Walter and his team spent weeks in the Transkei looking for the sardines this year (2009) and were rewarded with the best pictures and action in the last 10 years. For the second year they seen Brides Whales coming into the shoals and scooping huge mouths full of the tiny sardines. When I met him down there with his large group of Italian guests they were very very happy at what they had been witnessing. They will be going down agian