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Science History

The Great Sardine Run

The annual mass migration of billions of sardines up the South African coast - one of the largest coordinated animal migrations on Earth.

Era: Modern Region: South Africa

📖 Overview

Each May-July, cold ocean currents funnel billions of sardines up the eastern coast of South Africa. Dolphins herd baitballs; sharks tear through them; gannets dive-bomb from above; whales swallow schools whole. The event, sometimes called the greatest shoal on Earth, is a globally significant natural phenomenon and a highlight of wildlife tourism.