Fishermen in Port Nolloth, South Africa, led by Walter Steenkamp of Aukatowa Fisheries, are combating offshore oil and gas projects threatening their livelihoods and the environment. The community has initiated lawsuits challenging governmental approvals for seismic surveys and drilling, citing inadequate environmental assessments and cumulative impact concerns. Their fight underscores critical climate implications and the need for sustainable energy strategies.
On March 26, 2024, Port Nolloth, a coastal village in South Africa, was enveloped by fog as fishermen, led by Walter Steenkamp, prepared to venture into the choppy Atlantic. This small village, once thriving on diamond mining and fishing since the 1920s, now faces economic challenges due to declining fish stocks and dormant diamond mines. Despite these issues, small-scale fishing remains one of the primary income sources for the community.
Walter Steenkamp chairs Aukatowa Fisheries, the local small-scale fishing cooperative. He has fought for recognition and fishing rights for his fellow fishers, enabling them to share in the nation’s marine resources. In 2021, he refocused efforts to address environmental concerns regarding proposed offshore oil and gas projects that threaten the local ecosystem and livelihoods.
Shell’s 2021 announcement of a 3D seismic survey marked the onset of various exploration activities. These efforts expanded in 2023, with TGS Geophysical receiving permission to survey a vast ocean area near Port Nolloth, while TotalEnergies sought to drill exploratory wells. Minister Gwede Mantashe advocates for oil and gas to ensure energy security, especially following recent electricity crises in South Africa.
However, local stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the detrimental effects of fossil fuel projects. In late 2024, Aukatowa Fisheries, along with environmental NGOs, initiated lawsuits to contest the governmental approvals granted to TGS and Teepsa. The court actions are aimed at highlighting inadequate environmental impact reports that underestimate risks, overlooking cumulative ecological concerns, and neglecting climate implications.
Melissa Groenik from Natural Justice states that the assessments downplay the catastrophic potential of oil spills. Expert testimonies from scientists like Annalisa Bracco pinpoint flaws in environmental assessments, asserting that the real-world implications of potential spills are gravely underestimated. Moreover, there are fears related to the cumulative impact of concurrent seismic surveys on marine life, echoing concerns around insufficient consideration of the joint effects of multiple projects.
Collective environmental impacts are gaining attention as past legal efforts primarily focused on procedural matters. Carmen Mannarino of Masifundise emphasizes the need for courts to evaluate the interconnected nature of multiple projects to strengthen opposition against fossil fuel explorations. Additionally, experts highlight the broader climate risk associated with new fossil fuel ventures, emphasizing that these efforts contradict climate stability goals.
Ultimately, Steenkamp and fellow fishers perceive this fight as essential for their community’s future amidst observable changes in marine ecology linked to climate change, reinforcing their commitment to protecting the ocean for future generations. The continuing legal battles afford communities crucial time to advocate for responsible energy policies and climate change initiatives.
As evening fell, the boats returned to shore, where eager buyers awaited their catch. Steenkamp’s dedication to preserving marine life reflects a deep-rooted connection to the ocean and the urgency of their environmental fight. Both TGS and Teepsa remain non-responsive to these developments, leaving the community’s future in legal limbo.
The struggles of the Port Nolloth fishers against offshore oil and gas exploration highlight significant environmental and social concerns impacting local livelihoods and ecological health. With ongoing legal challenges, community leaders emphasize the importance of safeguarding marine resources for future generations. Their dedication to these issues reflects a larger conflict over energy policies and climate responsibility, illustrating the precarious balance between economic development and environmental preservation.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
