Concerns about ocean life to be raised at oil and gas exploration workshop
If tests prove positive for viable deposits of oil and gas, the installation of oil rigs to tap this will be a further threat to marine life and the environment in general.
SIGHTS are said to be set on exploring for oil and gas off our coastline and environmentalists are not too happy about it.
They say the damage to marine life could be devastating.
A Durban environmental group is therefore hosting a workshop at Blue Sea Cottages, 1 Curle Street, Ifafa Beach, this Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.
Anyone who wants to know more or who has reservations about the exploration is invited to attend.
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) is expecting a large group of residents, business people and other environmentalists to attend.
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Oil and gas testing exploration activities start with seismic testing through the use of airguns which blast sound waves into the ocean’s sea bed.
In the past, environmentalists have reported that seismic surveys have been found to have killed fish eggs and larvae and also impair the hearing and health of fish.
This makes them vulnerable to predators and unable to catch prey, find mates or communicate with each other.
These disturbances disrupt important migratory patterns, pushing marine life away from their natural habitat.
In addition, seismic surveys have been cited as one of the causes responsible for whale beaching and stranding incidents.
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Back in 2014, it was reported that a French company would be blasting sound waves into the ocean 24/7 between Port Shepstone and Mozambique – the underwater noise, at about 230 decibels continued for up to four months.
Shortly after this study was conducted a second followed, as did the death of three whales which were found washed up on various South Coast beaches.
None of the whales had sustained any visible injuries and samples were taken for research purposes.
In 2016, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest ever number of whale strandings as well as the first known incident of mass stranding and conservationists fear that this could be linked to seismic surveys.
It has since been proven by scientists that seismic blasts have adverse effects on various marine life. Of the species affected by these blasts, whales, dolphins and turtles were included
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If tests prove positive for viable deposits of oil and gas, the installation of oil rigs to tap the oil and gas will be a further threat to marine life and the environment in general, considering the disasters in other countries.
Obviously, some industrialist will punt the idea that there will be enormous ‘benefits to the economy’.
This is also part of the government-sponsored Operation Phakisa, exploration of ocean resources.
The view of environmental activists is that damage to the environment and potential hazards caused by oil exploration cannot be averted.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Chadley Joseph at 031-4611991 or 079-5011773.
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