South Africa, Sept. 17 -- The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has temporarily limited sardine catches as a precautionary response to reports of mass die-offs across the South African coastline.

However, scientists say this is not enough to reduce disruptions to the ecosystem, including threats to the critically endangered African Penguin.

DFFE spokesperson Zolile Nqayi stated that the restriction will limit each rights holder to landing no more than 25% of their outstanding 2026 total allowable catch. The limit will remain in place until October 2.

The measure aligns with recommendations put forward by the department's Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group (SWG-PEL) during a meeting on September 4.

"Obser...