Thursday, June 12, 2008

Fishy Tales




Each year this time for some unknown reason millions of little fish otherwise known as sardines make their way over a thousand kilometers up South Africa's east coast. Those that survive the sharks, dolphins and gannets have another hurdle to cross... Humans are waiting eagerly for them on the beaches of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Ski boats encircle them and drag them onto the beach in huge nets. Here other humans lose all control and grab as many as they can spilling from the licenced seine nets. Most are used for bait to catch more of our dwindling marine reserves with the rest devoured. Again and again the boats launch until the hapless fish are no more. They are carried away in crates still struggling to free themselves but to no avail. Ironically its called "The Greatest Shoal on Earth" Even this patroling dusky shark was caught by a game fishermen who posed for the camera then released the thrashing animal to cheers from the crowd.
Enjoy it while it lasts.

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