![[FILE IMAGE]: Fishermen are seen hauling in a net of sardines.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sardine-run-REUTERS.jpg)
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) says wide-ranging investigations continue into the reports of the dead sardines at several locations along the Western Cape coast between Saldanha Bay and Gansbaai.
Reports of dead and dying sardines were recorded more than a week ago, as far as eight nautical miles offshore near Hout Bay.
Department spokesperson, Zolile Nqayi, says the department has not received any reports since Thursday.
As a wide-ranging investigation continues, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is urging the public not to collect or consume dead fish found on beaches,” the department said.https://t.co/Alpz2j4dW9#GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/1bIrKY6Npz
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He says specialists are screening samples for marine biotoxins and the department is also examining water samples, stomach contents and gills for evidence of harmful algae.
He has advised members of the public not to collect, handle or consume dead or dying fish found on beaches or floating in the sea in the affected coastal areas.
