The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) said they cannot comment on petroleum giant Shell’s impending seismic testing off the Wild Coast in search of oil and gas deposits from December.
According to the department it is not involved in the process at all, however, during 2013 an application for exploration rights was approved by the then Minister responsible for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Chief Director of Communications, Albi Modise said the decision still remains valid and binding until it will be reviewed in a court of law.
Meanwhile, a protest took place at Cape Town Harbour on Sunday, November 21 where Shell’s vessels, the Amazon Warrior docked. According to protesters the marine life and the ocean are at risk, SABC reported.
A petition was also started to stop the petroleum giant from sucking up to 48 air guns methodically through 6,011km² of the ocean surface, firing extremely loud shock wave emissions that penetrate through 3km of water and 40km into the Earth’s crust below the seabed.
“Many sea creatures could be affected in the coming months — whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks and even crabs and tiny shellfish will be blasted.
“Shell must answer for how the harms done during this survey and any exploration drilling done hereafter are part of its energy transition plan to control global warming,” the petition read.
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Protest to take place in Cape Town against Shell blasting the Wild Coast
Picture: Facebook/SABC