Scientists in South Africa are investigating a mass die-off of sardines along sections of the country’s west and south coasts. Large numbers of dead or dying sardines are washing ashore, raising concerns about the health of marine ecosystems. Preliminary investigations have identified fish herpesvirus PHV in the affected fish. Researchers believe the virus is likely damaging the sardines' gills, contributing to their deaths. The exact extent of the outbreak and the full impact on sardine populations remain unclear. Further research is underway to confirm the virus as the primary cause and to understand the spread of the disease. This event could have significant repercussions for both the local fishing industry and the wider marine food web.