By Nneka Nwogwugwu
A South African court has halted oil giant Shell’s seismic testing for oil and gas along the country’s eastern coastline, pending a final ruling.
The decision has been hailed by environmentalists who fear that the sound blasting will harm marine life.
Shell said it had “paused” operations while it reviewed the judgement.
South Africa’s Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe had condemned the project’s critics, saying they wanted to deprive Africa of energy resources.
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In his ruling, High Court Judge Gerald Bloem said that Shell’s right to explore the waters near the Wild Coast “was awarded on the basis of a substantially flawed consultation process”.
The 250km (155-mile) stretch of coastline in Eastern Cape province is known for its natural beauty and marine life.
Campaigners argued that many sea creatures – including whales, dolphins and seals – would be affected by the seismic testing.
Local communities, who were also represented in the case, said that their customary rights to the land and fishing had not been respected.
Welcoming the ruling, local campaigner Nonhle Mbuthuma said: “As coastal communities we have relied on the sea for centuries – and we are glad that the judge has recognised that our ocean livelihoods must not be sacrificed for short term profit.”
Seismic surveys are carried out as a means of mapping what lies beneath the seafloor.
