Citizens, particularly along the country’s coastline, have been gathering to protest against Royal Dutch Shell’s seismic surveying on the Wild Coast.

Forming part of these gatherings in coalition with Oceans Not Oil, was the KZN Mid-South Coast Ocean Supporters (KMOS) non-profitable organisation which reeled in residents from the mid-South Coast to be part of protests at Umkomaas, Pennington and Scottburgh beaches last Sunday.

“I am so overwhelmed at the support we saw from our communities last Sunday, and thank everyone sincerely who came out to voice our collective outcry that our very own legal system has failed us,” said Claire Taylor, co-founder of KMOS and organiser of the event in coalition with Oceans Not Oil.

“We are already seeing the devastating results of climate change throughout the world, and yet such backwards-thinking, profit-driven, fossil fuel exploration will still continue to deplete our oceans of their resources, and the very lifeblood of planet earth. Are we beyond the tipping point?”

Prior to the recent protest, Taylor explained that the exploration process will not only impact this ecologically-sensitive ecosystem, but will be devastating for the communities dependent on the ocean for survival, whether it’s through fishing or tourism activities.
Shell’s 3D seismic survey of an area from Morgan Bay to Port St Johns will map out potential oil and gas deposits.

A powerful airgun/seismic cannon will be used for the blasting and environmentalists and residents are concerned that the shockwaves will be harmful to marine life and the environment these creatures live in.

“The blasts have already begun, as has the annual whale migration to the south and Shell claims there’s no harm done here. The whales can simply alter their migration course for Shell’s benefit – a course which has served this ecosystem for millions of years,” said Taylor.
“The sound emissions will in turn result in juveniles not being able to suckle, because they will be separated from the mother due to unnatural and detrimental human causes. Then let’s think how this trickles down the food chain in the aftermath.”

“We are calling on our international stakeholders to put pressure on the South African government and its corporate counterparts to hold them accountable for the hefty promises made at COP26 hardly a month ago.”

At Scottburgh beach last Sunday, many people gathered with their posters and banners on land, some in the water and a World of Wings’ aircraft flew overhead in support and captured the event from the skies. Those out in the water were graced by the presence of several dolphins who swam among them.

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