Every year, something amazing happens along the coasts of southern Africa. It’s called the Sardine Run, and it’s the biggest fish migration on Earth! From May to July, billions of sardines swim from the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank to the warmer waters of the northeastern Cape. It’s like a giant underwater parade!
The Sardine Run is a huge journey, stretching up to 7 kilometers. It’s even bigger than the famous wildebeest migration in Africa! This massive movement of sardines is not just cool to watch, but it’s also super important for many ocean animals that come to eat the sardines.
As the sardines travel, they attract lots of hungry predators. Sharks and groups of common dolphins are among those that join the feast. The dolphins have a clever trick: they herd the sardines into tight groups called bait balls, which are about 10 to 20 meters wide. But these bait balls don’t last long, usually only about 10 minutes.
During this wild feeding time, dolphins charge through the bait balls, scattering the sardines and making them easy targets for other predators. A Bryde’s whale can gulp down up to 10,000 sardines in one big bite, showing just how huge this event is!
Cape gannets, a type of seabird, also join in the Sardine Run. They dive from the sky to catch the sardines, but the fish often escape by swimming deep and sticking together. However, with predators attacking from above and below, the sardines eventually have to swim into shallower waters, where the gannets can catch them more easily.
The Sardine Run is an incredible example of how nature is all connected. The sardines, dolphins, sharks, and gannets all have their own survival strategies. This amazing migration not only shows the incredible variety of life in the ocean but also reminds us of the delicate balance in marine ecosystems.
Draw a map of southern Africa and trace the route of the Sardine Run. Label important locations like the Agulhas Bank and the northeastern Cape. Use different colors to show where the sardines start and where they end their journey. This will help you understand the scale of their migration!
In groups, act out the roles of sardines, dolphins, sharks, and Cape gannets. Use a large open space to simulate the ocean. Sardines should try to stick together, while predators attempt to catch them. This activity will give you a sense of the challenges each animal faces during the Sardine Run.
Calculate how many sardines a Bryde’s whale can eat in an hour if it takes one big bite every 10 minutes. If each bite contains 10,000 sardines, how many sardines does the whale consume in an hour? Use your math skills to solve this problem!
Use a large bowl of water and small floating objects to simulate a bait ball. Blow gently on the water to mimic the movement of dolphins herding sardines. Observe how the objects group together and discuss how this helps predators catch their prey.
Research how the Sardine Run impacts other marine life and the local economy. Present your findings to the class, focusing on the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem. This will help you understand the broader significance of the Sardine Run.
Sardine – A small, oily fish that often swims in large groups and is an important food source for many marine animals. – Sardines are often seen swimming together in the ocean to protect themselves from predators.
Migration – The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another, often to find food or reproduce. – Many birds and fish, like salmon, undergo migration to reach their breeding grounds.
Predators – Animals that hunt and eat other animals for food. – In the ocean, sharks are well-known predators that help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems.
Dolphins – Intelligent marine mammals known for their playful behavior and social groups called pods. – Dolphins often work together to herd fish into tight groups, making it easier to catch them.
Sharks – Large fish with sharp teeth that are often top predators in the ocean. – Sharks play a crucial role in the ocean by keeping fish populations in check and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Gannets – Large seabirds known for their spectacular diving skills to catch fish. – Gannets can dive from great heights to catch sardines and other small fish in the ocean.
Ocean – A vast body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth’s surface and is home to diverse marine life. – The ocean is a critical part of Earth’s ecosystems, providing habitat and resources for countless species.
Ecosystems – Communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. – Coral reefs are vibrant ecosystems that support a wide variety of marine life.
Feeding – The act of consuming food to obtain energy and nutrients. – Whales use a technique called filter feeding to consume large amounts of plankton from the ocean.
Balance – A state where different elements of an ecosystem are in harmony, allowing it to function effectively. – Predators like sharks help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling fish populations.
