Plett says "NO" to Shell seismic survey

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - On Sunday 5 December, residents joined the fray against oil giant Shell's seismic survey off South Africa's Wild Coast.

There is huge concern about the impact the seismic survey could have on sensitive marine life in that unspoilt region of the country.

The protest continued despite environmentalists losing their urgent application in the Makhanda High Court in the Eastern Cape to stop Shell from commencing its seismic survey last Friday.

The seismic survey, which was set to start on 1 December, is scheduled to last for about four months, targeting a specific area within the Exploration Licence Area on the Wild Coast where it is believed there may be oil or gas deposits beneath the ground surface.

The survey will see a vessel dragging up to 48 air guns firing loud shock waves at 10-second intervals, covering an area of 6 000km² of ocean surface.

It is believed that these sound waves penetrate through 3km of water and 40km below the seabed.

Plettenberg Bay residents joined the rest of the country protesting against the seismic survey. Photo: Martin Hurwitz

Environmentalists are concerned that the deep-water blasting could irreparably harm the Wild Coast's delicate ecosystem as many endangered and protected marine species are located within that area.

Several environmental and human rights organisations had filed an urgent interim interdict against Shell to prevent it from starting its survey, citing harmful impact on marine life and consequently on local communities.

Acting Judge Justice Govindjee however found the applicants had failed to convince the court that there was a reasonable apprehension of "irreparable harm" if the interdict was not granted. He dismissed the application with costs.

Plettenberg Bay residents joined the rest of the country protesting against the seismic survey. Photo: Martin Hurwitz

It is believed that over the next two weeks, another group of conservationists will try to gather more evidence to support the cause and approach the court again.

In the meantime, about 70 protests against Shell's plans were organised along coastal areas across the country last Sunday.

A large group of concerned Plettenberg Bay residents gathered on Central Beach with posters raising their concerns. They also formed a human "NO" on the sand in protest.