Environmental activists say ‘no to shell’ seismic surveys

Environmental activists, fishermen and residents of KwaZulu-Natal hit the provinces beaches to protest against oil and gas giant Shell’s plans to conduct a seismic survey off the Wild Coast on Sunday.

The protest action comes after environmental groups, Natural Justice, Greenpeace Africa, Kei Mouth Skiboat Club and Border Deep Sea Angling Association lost an urgent application in the Grahamstown High Court, for an interdict to stop Shell’s seismic survey project which was set to start on December 1.

The court ruled that the applicants had failed to convince the court that there was a reasonable apprehension of “irreparable harm” to marine life if the interdict was not granted, and that given financial and other prejudice to Shell if the seismic surveys were delayed, the “balance of convenience” lay in Shell’s favour. The court dismissed the application with costs, including the costs of two counsel.

In reaction to the Shell project the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) together with the KZN Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum (KZNSFF) and many communities and environmental organisations gathered along the entire coastline at local beaches to say no to oil and gas exploration by Shell and other firms. 

“This is in solidarity with the Amadiba Crisis Committee as they march with local communities to meet at Mzamba Estuary. The purpose of this protest is to send a message to Shell bosses and shareholders to stop the company from carrying out seismic survey on the wild coast,” the SDCEA said in a statement, “Offshore oil and gas drilling, that has the potential to destroy our beautiful ocean heritage as well as negatively effect on the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the ocean for a living, like the fisherfolk, tourism and recreational industry,” SDCEA said.

Government authorised Shell seismic surveys

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) issued the authorisation for Shell to conduct seismic surveys in 2013. However, SDCEA warned that the oil and gas drilling would not only affect marine biodiversity and livelihoods but also impact on climate change.

“South Africa must not forget its international commitments like the Paris Agreement to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions within its jurisdiction,” SDCEA said.

“SDCEA, its allies and communities across South Africa are collectively calling for Shell to stop oil and gas exploration. There are alternatives, no to oil and gas drilling and yes to fishing, swimming, surfing and a healthy ocean,” SDCEA said.