South African Court Bans Offshore Oil And Gas Exploration By Shell Marine Life

The ruling handed down in Mahanda on Thursday marks a monumental victory for environmentalists worried about the impact the exploration would have on whales and other marine life. The 2014 decision granting the right to “explore oil and gas in the Transkei and Algoa exploration areas is reviewed and set aside,” the high court in the southern city ruled. Civil rights groups and citizens celebrated outside the courthouse after the verdict, according to local media. A Shell spokesman said the company “respects[s] court decision” and will review the decision to “determine our next steps.” Shell did not say whether it would appeal the decision. “We remain committed to South Africa and our role in the just energy transition,” he said. Last December, the same court had issued a temporary injunction barring the company from proceeding with its plans. Green Connection, one of the environmental and human rights organizations that filed the case against Shell, said that “civil society, traditional communities and small-scale [fishermen] they were once again vindicated by the courts.” The oil company was to collect 3D seismic data over more than 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles) of ocean off the wild coast of South Africa – a 300-kilometer (185-mile) stretch of rich waters that was home to exceptional marine life and natural reserves. Campaigners claimed the probe would send out “extremely powerful” shock waves every 10 seconds, 24 hours a day for five months, potentially harming marine species and disrupting their routines. South Africa’s energy ministry had supported the plan and criticized those who opposed it as hindering investment in the country’s development.

title: “South African Court Bans Offshore Oil And Gas Exploration By Shell Marine Life Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-29” author: “Dean Hutchins”

The ruling handed down in Mahanda on Thursday marks a monumental victory for environmentalists worried about the impact the exploration would have on whales and other marine life. The 2014 decision granting the right to “explore oil and gas in the Transkei and Algoa exploration areas is reviewed and set aside,” the high court in the southern city ruled. Civil rights groups and citizens celebrated outside the courthouse after the verdict, according to local media. A Shell spokesman said the company “respects[s] court decision” and will review the decision to “determine our next steps.” Shell did not say whether it would appeal the decision. “We remain committed to South Africa and our role in the just energy transition,” he said. Last December, the same court had issued a temporary injunction barring the company from proceeding with its plans. Green Connection, one of the environmental and human rights organizations that filed the case against Shell, said that “civil society, traditional communities and small-scale [fishermen] they were once again vindicated by the courts.” The oil company was to collect 3D seismic data over more than 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles) of ocean off the wild coast of South Africa – a 300-kilometer (185-mile) stretch of rich waters that was home to exceptional marine life and natural reserves. Campaigners claimed the probe would send out “extremely powerful” shock waves every 10 seconds, 24 hours a day for five months, potentially harming marine species and disrupting their routines. South Africa’s energy ministry had supported the plan and criticized those who opposed it as hindering investment in the country’s development.