Thousands of shimmering sardines have turned a quiet Goan beach into a bustling “fish fiesta” over the past few days, mesmerizing locals and offering a bounty they’ve never witnessed before. This unusual phenomenon, known as a “sardine run,” has seen vast shoals of the silvery fish swirling in shallow waters near Keri-Terekhol, about 40 kilometers from Panaji.
“It’s like the sea has come alive with sparkling jewels,” exclaimed Vaman Naik, a local fisherman, describing the scene. “Every evening, thousands of fish jump out of the water, creating a spectacle unlike anything I’ve seen in my 35 years.”
Experts attribute this rare event to sudden changes in seawater temperature, driving the sardines closer to shore in search of plankton—their microscopic food source. Dr. Baban Ingole, a marine expert, explains that rising or falling surface temperatures can trigger mass migrations, sometimes leading to temporary “traps” in shallows like the one in Goa.
While fishermen rejoice at the unexpected bounty, the sight remains a breathtaking natural wonder for onlookers. This temporary “invasion” serves as a reminder of the ocean’s vibrant dance, where even the smallest creatures can create moments of awe and abundance.