Sardines are small, oily fish in the herring family; current headlines orbit mass mortality along South Africa’s coast amid ongoing marine stress.
A cluster of recent marine sightings shows orcas and dolphins appearing more frequently off the Northumberland coast, while Norfolk Island’s reefs show stress from runoff, dredging plans and El Niño. Scientists warn warming waters threaten coral ecosystems and coastal wildlife.
A multi-country Latin American trial has found that a two-year, supervised lifestyle program improves cognition, memory, and processing speed in adults aged 60-77 at risk of dementia. The programme combines exercise, diet, brain training, and social activity, and outperforms standard health guidance.
Mass sardine mortality along South Africa’s west and south coasts is the highest yet. The environment department has identified pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) as the leading explanation, while noting no risk to human health. Investigations continue as Koeberg Nuclear Power Station reports a seawater intake clog caused by dead fish.