Port Nolloth fishers, led by Walter Steenkamp, are legally challenging offshore oil and gas exploration projects by TGS and Teepsa, citing environmental risks and inadequate impact assessments. Their actions aim to safeguard local livelihoods and marine ecosystems amidst growing concerns about fossil fuel effects on climate change. The legal battles may shape future energy policies and community rights.
On March 26, 2024, Port Nolloth, a coastal village in South Africa, faced rough Atlantic Ocean swells due to strong winds. Walter Steenkamp, chairperson of Aukatowa Fisheries, observed fellow fishers eager to venture out despite challenging conditions, reflecting their dependence on fishing for livelihood.
Historically, Port Nolloth thrived in diamond mining and fishing since the 1920s. The fishing industry, primarily driven by foreign demand, flourished until the 1970s. Presently, industrial overharvesting is noted as a primary reason for the fishing industry’s decline, impacting the local economy, which relies predominantly on fishing and minor diamond recovery.
Steenkamp successfully advocated for fishing rights for small-scale fishers. Since 2021, he has campaigned against planned offshore oil and gas projects potentially threatening their livelihoods. The anticipation began when Shell announced a 3D seismic survey offshore, with several companies later conducting exploration activities near Port Nolloth.
In 2023, the UK-based TGS Geophysical Company received authorization for a seismic survey covering 57,400 sq km off South Africa’s west coast. Simultaneously, French energy company Teepsa secured oil drilling permissions offshore from Port Nolloth. While the South African government views these projects as key to energy security, local communities express their environmental and economic concerns.
Environmental NGOs, Aukatowa Fisheries, and others pursued legal action against TGS and Teepsa, arguing against inadequate environmental impact reports (EIRs). They claim these reports fail to properly address risks of spills and the cumulative impacts of multiple projects, potentially endangering marine life.
Melissa Groenik from Natural Justice criticized the EIRs, stating they downplay spill risks, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. Research presented in court suggests that shoreline oiling impacts may have been underestimated, indicating insufficient EIR rigor regarding drilling activities.
Jean Harris of WildOceans highlighted flaws in assessing the effects of oil spills on marine ecosystems. Groenik amplified concerns over the cumulative threat of simultaneous seismic surveys, insisting that existing regulations do not account for these collective environmental impacts.
Commentators argue that a legal focus should expand to consider broader environmental impacts rather than evaluating each project in isolation. Groenik stressed that implementing the National Environmental Management Act’s holistic evaluation approach is crucial.
Concerns extend to climate change potential from increased fossil fuel productions, which contradict South Africa’s environmental commitments. The economic realities of offshore gas development necessitate extensive fossil extraction beyond South Africa’s consumption plans, raising skepticism about feasibility.
Community-led litigation is observed as a strategy to gain leverage against fossil fuel exploration, according to Liz McDaid from Green Connection. The ongoing cases have delayed some proposed projects, eventually allowing for the incorporation of climate policies and energy planning into decision-making processes.
Steenkamp voiced the immediate impacts of climate on their fishing practices, citing alterations in sea conditions and species patterns. His colleague, Rosie Malan, recounted the adverse effects of rising temperatures on marine life, emphasizing the necessity of environmental preservation for future generations.
As fishers returned from the sea, eager locals gathered to purchase fresh seafood. Steenkamp stressed, “We must protect the ocean so that they can have the same healthy lives as us,” demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding their way of life against looming fossil fuel projects.
Neither TGS nor Teepsa commented on the ongoing litigations, while the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy did not respond to inquiries. TGS maintains a commitment to environmental sustainability on their website, while Teepsa emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in its operations through press statements.
The fishing community of Port Nolloth is engaged in a legal battle against offshore oil and gas exploration posed by companies like TGS and Teepsa. These local fishers, led by Walter Steenkamp, emphasize the environmental risks and inadequate assessments surrounding these projects. Their fight is not merely procedural but rooted in protecting their livelihoods and the marine ecosystem from potential hazards associated with fossil fuel extraction. The outcome of this case could significantly influence future environmental policies and energy strategies in the region.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
