Seismic Survey to Go Ahead In South Africa Despite Protests

Searcher Geodata will start a 3D seismic survey off the West Coast of South Africa on January 1, 2024. The survey will involve using intense sound pulses to map the seafloor and geology, writes Steve Kretzmann for GroundUp. 

The survey area covers 30,000 square kilometres and is located about 220km offshore between St Helena Bay and Hondeklip Bay. The survey involves blasting sound pulses at 255 decibels (dB) to create a 3D map of the seafloor and underlying geology. This sound level is considered painful and dangerous for humans and can kill and injure fish, particularly those with swim bladders.

Small-scale fishers fear reduced catches and long-term effects on their livelihoods due to these surveys, which have been controversial and faced legal challenges. The Basic Assessment Report suggests limited impact on fishing stocks, community concerns persist about the potential damage to their fishing grounds. 

The environmental organisation Green Connection is appealing the environmental authorisation and may seek a legal opinion to determine whether they can apply for an interdict.