Survey approval elicits seismic objection
PLETTENBERG BAY - The groundswell of opposition to the approved seismic survey off-shore from Plettenberg Bay has grown exponentially, with so far more than 1 200 objections being lodged with Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy's department.
The number of objectors was reflected on the department's database. In addition, a petition by the Oceans Not Oil coalition has garnered nearly half-a-million signatures.
From a 200-plus protest March in Plett on 18 November, organised by the Plettenberg Bay Community Environment Forum, opposition to the granting of approval to the UK-based international company CGG Services SAS (CGG) for its seismic survey has grown.
The survey is set to start next year between Plettenberg Bay and Gqeberha. Julie Carlisle of the forum said, "The past few weeks have been insane. The realisation of the magnitude of planned, approved and proposed applications along our coastline is frightening. We have shared information widely and there has been a resulting groundswell of support …. nationwide.
"What is apparent is that together, we can do more. People from all over have jumped on board, assisted in ways that they can, and participated in the activations. General, local and information groups have been set up in order to bring some quiet to the conversation and to share local information."
Carlisle said fear can be paralysing. "We need to stare it in the face and act," she said.
The protest will be extended to Ocean Awareness Day this Saturday, 9 December, a global action day where coastal communities along the entire coastline will be participating in activations. The forum will be on Bikini/Central Beach "where we will have petitions, donations and information".
Professor Ted Botha of Wessa Garden
Route said the following in his objection: "Stop fooling yourself, understand the science, that the seismic studies, such as those that have been proposed previously by Shell, Total Energies and now by CGG will have an undeniable impact on all life living in the ocean and on its floor.
"Scientific research has stated clearly and unequivocally that loud, impulsive sounds from seismic surveys have been associated with negative impacts on many marine taxa including mammals, crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish.
"The global proliferation of seismic surveys and large propagation distances of airgun noise, highlight the need for preservation and conservation, not exploitation of the marine environment."