South African Fishers Unite Against Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Threats
Port Nolloth fishers, led by Walter Steenkamp of Aukatowa Fisheries, are fighting against offshore oil and gas projects threatening their livelihoods and the environment. Since 2021, they have pursued legal action challenging inadequate environmental assessments for these operations. The community aims to safeguard marine resources and highlight the broader climate implications of fossil fuel exploitation.
On March 26, 2024, the fishing community of Port Nolloth, South Africa, faced challenging conditions as strong winds caused tumultuous swells in the Atlantic Ocean. Chairperson Walter Steenkamp of Aukatowa Fisheries awaited calmer waters while his fellow fishers, eager to earn a living after several days of unsuitable conditions, prepared for the day’s outing.
Port Nolloth, a coastal village situated 90 kilometers south of Namibia’s border, historically thrived on diamond mining and fishing. However, with dormant diamond mines and industrial overharvesting reducing fish stocks, fishing remains one of the primary economic activities alongside small-scale diamond recovery.
Steenkamp has successfully campaigned for fishing rights for small-scale fishers in the past, but since 2021, he and his colleagues have turned their focus to planned offshore oil and gas projects, which they perceive as threats to their environment and livelihoods. The situation intensified when Shell announced seismic surveys starting off South Africa’s eastern coast.
These explorations have now moved closer to Port Nolloth, with TGS Geophysical gaining permission in 2023 to conduct a seismic survey covering 57,400 square kilometers. Additionally, Total’s South African branch, Teepsa, was authorized to drill ten exploratory wells in the region. Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, champions oil and gas production as crucial for African energy security, particularly following South Africa’s history of electrical shortages.
In late 2024, Aukatowa Fisheries, in collaboration with environmental NGOs Natural Justice and Green Connection, initiated two court cases challenging the government’s authorizations for TGS and Teepsa. They argue that the environmental impact assessments (EIRs) inadequately address potential risks such as oil spills while failing to consider the cumulative effects of multiple operations in the area.
Melissa Groenik, an attorney for Natural Justice, criticizes the EIRs for downplaying the devastating effects of oil spills. She cites expert testimonies indicating significant deficiencies in the assessments, particularly regarding their real-world validity. Marine scientist Jean Harris corroborates these concerns, pointing out areas of ecological significance inadequately addressed in the studies.
The potential for environmental disruption extends beyond local risks to broader climate implications, as increased fossil fuel production may exacerbate global warming. Groenik emphasizes that the National Environmental Management Act mandates comprehensive evaluations of projects, a requirement seemingly overlooked in current assessments.
Independent researcher Hilton Trollip highlighted the economic challenges of offshore gas development, emphasizing that extensive extraction may exceed South Africa’s feasible energy consumption. Legal actions, including those led by Steenkamp, are perceived as pivotal in influencing energy policy, granting communities a necessary reprieve to advocate for sustainable practices.
The Aukatowa fishers argue their perspectives during community consultations on exploration authorizations have been systematically neglected. Steenkamp articulates the urgency of their struggle, as climate change already impacts fishing conditions in Port Nolloth. Fellow fisher Rosie Malan notes how rising temperatures and changing marine life patterns threaten their catch.
The fight against fossil fuel exploitation is fundamentally a matter of survival for the fishing community. As boats return to the calm harbor waters, the commitment to protect the ocean and the livelihoods it sustains is palpable. Steenkamp underscores the importance of safeguarding future generations from the adverse effects of fossil fuel projects, stating, “We must protect the ocean so that they can have the same healthy lives as us.”
While TGS and Teepsa declined to comment on ongoing litigation, both companies have publicly professed their commitment to environmental sustainability in their operations. The community’s legal challenge highlights a broader discourse on balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and public health.
In conclusion, the fishing community of Port Nolloth is resolutely opposing offshore oil and gas exploration, citing environmental and livelihood threats. Through legal action, Aukatowa Fisheries seeks to ensure that comprehensive assessments are conducted before further fossil fuel activities are permitted. The fight is emblematic of a larger struggle faced by communities worldwide as they navigate the intersection of economic interests and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, their determination underscores the necessity to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
