By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Seismic surveys effectively create noise pollution and pose a real threat to marine life, according to a group of scientists who want government to beef up efforts to protect the marine environment.
The Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE), which is part of the Academy of Science of South Africa, this week issued an advisory on deep sea seismic surveys conducted for the exploration of oil and gas. SAGE seeks to provide independent, multi-disciplinary science advice to relevant stakeholders on emergency issues concerning areas like the environment and health.
Late last year, the Makhanda High Court granted an interim interdict to block oil and gas company Shell from proceeding with a seismic survey off the Wild Coast, pending a legal challenge on its environmental authorisation.
Shell’s Environmental Management Programme (EMPr), which indicates how it plans to manage potential impacts on the environment as a result of the survey, was in 2014 approved in terms of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act. This EMPr was audited in 2020 and no objections were received. According to Shell and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), this means the permit is still valid.
But applicants – namely the wild cost communities – want Shell to have environmental authorisation under the National Environmental Management Act – over which the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) would have more of a say.
The environmental authorisation process is a sticking point for SAGE. They reckon that environmental management plans should not be considered a “valid” substitute for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
Furthermore, EIA reports specifically for marine environments need to be drafted by experts with marine science or environmental training and experience. “Individuals with land-based mining and generalised environmental impact experience should never be considered proxies for legitimate marine experts,” the advisory from SAGE read.
The scientists recommend that government set up a task team to improve the current legislation. “More specifically, the authority of DMRE to exclusively issue exploration permits without the concurrence of the DFFE should be revoked,” the advisory read. The scientists want a more holistic approach to marine oversight. They called for more cooperation between departments, particularly the DMRE and the DFFE as well as their affiliated entities.
Source: Fin24
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