SDCEA calls to boycott Shell as seismic survey

KZN’s coastline was abuzz on Sunday, December 5 as environmentalists, fisherfolk and supporters of the cause, gathered at local beaches in protest of Royal Dutch Shell’s (Shell) plans to conduct a seismic survey off the Wild Coast.

The event was headed by the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), KZN Subsistence Fisherfolk Forum (KZNSFF) and many organisations in solidarity with the Amadiba Crisis Committee which also marched with local communities to meet at Mzamba Estuary.

The fisherfolk of Merebank did not hold back to support the cause and have their grievances heard as they showed up in numbers for a placard demonstration at Cuttings Beach.

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Cuttings Beach Fishing Forum chairperson, Rishi Ganas said the group was against the seismic survey as it would negatively affect the environment and the fish stock which fishermen depend on as a means to a livelihood.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) issued the authorisation for Shell to conduct seismic surveys back in 2013.

“The protest aimed to send a message to Shell bosses and shareholders to stop the company from carrying out the seismic survey on the wild coast. Offshore oil and gas drilling has the potential to destroy our beautiful ocean heritage as well as negatively affect the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the ocean for a living, like the fisherfolk, tourism and recreational industries. Some enjoy the beach for their health,” said SDCEA’s environmental project officer for oil, gas and energy, Cassandra Schnoor.

“This will not only affect our marine biodiversity and livelihoods but it will also add to climate change. What will be left for future generations if we continue to let this happen? SDCEA, its allies and communities across South Africa are collectively calling for Shell to stop oil and gas exploration and consider renewable energy alternatives,” Schnoor added.

Commenting on the proposed seismic survey, the energy company said: “Shell is a responsible and leading operator and applies stringent controls and international best practice guidelines to its operations. Procedures for managing impact from seismic activities are well established and in line with the latest global industry standards. Shell also contributes to joint industry programmes, including the Sound and Marine Life Joint Industry Programme, which is at the forefront of leading research for sound in the marine environment. We aim to minimise the impact of our projects on the environment and to be a good neighbour wherever we work, by contributing to the well-being of neighbouring communities. We work closely with them to manage the social impacts of our business activities, address any concerns about our operations, and enhance the benefits that we can bring.”