Response to sardine mortality must be grounded in science and evidence

Source: Daily Maverick · 2026-10-25T07:23:41.000Z · Science

The available evidence does not establish widespread penguin starvation caused by the sardine mortality event, nor does it support a complete fishing moratorium as the only scientifically defensible response. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment adopted a precautionary, restricted and reviewable fishing approach while further scientific analysis continues, balancing ecological risks with the socioeconomic impacts of a total closure.

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