A legal battle unfolds in the Western Cape High Court as environmental groups and local fisheries challenge the government's approval of an offshore seismic survey, citing risks to marine life and community livelihoods.
A legal challenge over offshore seismic survey authorisation along South Africa’s West Coast and Northern Cape coastline continued today in the Western Cape High Court.
The case involves Aukotowa Fisheries Primary Co-operative, The Green Connection, and Natural Justice as applicants, opposed by the government and TGS Geophysical Company (UK) Ltd as respondents.
The 3D seismic survey uses sound waves to create images of the Earth’s subsurface for the purpose of oil and gas exploration.
The applicants also argue that the government failed in its duty to protect the coastline as a shared public resource held in trust for all South Africans, rather than primarily for private industrial interests.
