Sardines are usually purchased in a whole round form and sold in 5 kg net weight boxes. This fish has been immensely popular among many African countries as a cheaper source of protein.

Add sardines and chopped garlic in a sauté pan with a bit of olive oil on medium heat is delicious. With your favourite pasta toss the sardines and garlic for a superb dish European dish. Many African countries salt and dry the sardines to form a staple form of cheap protein.

Within South Africa the fish stocks are closely monitored by using a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limit, access rights and vessel permits. Typically purse-seine nets do not affect the ocean bottom habitats though bycatch of other small pelagic fish does occur and often consists of anchovy, herring and horse mackerel. Total allowed limits for by catch are put in place to reduce the amount kept.