Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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02 Dec 2021

Seismic backlash deepens for Shell, numerous protests planned on North Coast

Juan Venter (North Coast Courier) Picture: Dutch energy giant, Shell, intends to blast sounds waves into the ocean bed for up to 4 or 5 months as it searches for oil and gas.

It was also highlighted that sound blasts in the ocean – fired every 10 seconds – travel at great distances, meaning that surrounding marine protected areas such as Amathole, Dwesa-Cwebe, Hlukela and Pondoland could be affected.

Protests against energy giant Shell are gaining momentum along the North Coast as the company intends to conduct seismic tests between Morgans Bay and Port St Johns in the hunt for offshore gas and oil reserves. Locally, protests are being planned for Sheffield Beach, Salt Rock main beach, Ballito’s Willard Beach and at Westbrook Beach’s lifeguard tower on December 5. Times were not available at the time of going to print.

The proposed seismic survey could last for up to 4 or 5 months, and involves multiple air guns which blast sound waves onto the ocean bed, allowing for a 3D render of the ocean floor.

The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) said the air guns emit thousands of high decibel explosive impulses which are harmful to marine life.

The proposed survey area is about 20 km offshore in water depths ranging from 700-3 000 metres. The area covers more than 6 000 square kilometres of ocean surface.

SAAMBR’s Dr Judy Mann noted serious concerns about the risks associated with drilling for gas and oil offshore, specifically along the Wild Coast given that the region is influenced by one of the most powerful oceanic currents in the world.

“The Agulhas current is not static. It meanders up to 100 km in width, and while it generally flows from north to south, current reversals are not uncommon, particularly in deeper waters,” said Mann.

“The power of the current is such that attempts to contain any accidental spillage or normal operational spillage would likely be unsuccessful. We saw clear evidence of this with the plastic nurdles spill in the Durban harbour which spread along the entire KZN coast and the Eastern Cape within days of the disaster,” said Dr Mann.

It was also highlighted that sound blasts in the ocean – fired every 10 seconds – travel at great distances, meaning that surrounding marine protected areas such as Amathole, Dwesa-Cwebe, Hlukela and Pondoland could be affected. These areas are home to ocean life found nowhere else in the world.

South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) has also started a number of campaigns to inform the public about oil and gas exploration, specifically with regard to Shell.

“Shell’s intention to explore for oil and gas on the Wild Coast will result in the destruction of the ocean. This corporation does not care for our heritage, our water, our fish and our ocean. Greed is their motto,” said SDCEA head, Desmond D’sa.

Shell had not responded at the time of publication.

For more information on local protests, contact Diana de Rauville at 084 266 8226.

 

Online Article