The Department of Forestries, Fisheries and the Environment have issued a statement (see below) essentially saying that the approval of an offshore seismic survey is a decision taken by the Minister of Resources and Energy. 

Oceans Not Oil will be appealing against the Minister of Mineral Resources decision to approve Shell Exploration and Production South Africa’s Speculative 3D Seismic Survey within Transkei Exploration Area off the East Coast of South Africa (Exploration Right 12/3/252).

In the meantime beach protests and walks, marches to hand over memoranda, and boycotts will continue.

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT NOTES CONCERNS ABOUT SEISMIC SURVEYS TO BE CONDUCTED ALONG SOUTH AFRICAN COASTLINE

22 NOVEMBER 2021

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has noted concerns about the seismic surveys to be conducted by Shell and Impact Africa Limited off the coast of South Africa between December and February 2022.

The impact of the seismic survey to be undertaken by Shell and Impact Africa has been authorised under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002), (MRPDA) which under section 39(2) of the Act requires the submission of an environmental management plan which is to assess and evaluate the environmental impacts of the activity.

The Minister of Minerals Resources and Energy is the Minister responsible for the administration of the MPRDA, the Minister responsible for environmental affairs is, therefore, not mandated to consider the application or to make a decision on the authorisation of the seismic survey.

It should be noted that since the coming into effect of the One Environment System on 8 December 2014, the application process for the seismic surveys was finalised. All decisions made under the MPRDA at the time remain valid and binding until set aside by a court of law.

For media inquiries contact Albi Modise on 083 490 2871