Wild Law Institute Director voices opposition to Shell seismic survey

Following the widespread publication of plans by Shell to conduct a non-stop five-month-long seismic survey off South Africa’s pristine Wild Coast, national outrage has erupted. The seismic survey, which involves firing high-powered compressed air guns towards the seafloor to assess oil and gas deposits, will have devastating impacts on marine life.

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The last two weeks have seen protests actions by communities and activists groups al over South Africa, attempting to amplify the voices of Wild Coast communities that depend on the ecosystems there. One of our Directors, Nonhle Mbuthuma, representing the Amadiba Crisis Committee, has expressed this concern powerfully:

“If you destroy the ocean, you destroy human life. Our livelihoods as indigenous people will be history if the South African Government allows Shell to mine our ocean, our spiritual healing place. Communities have the right to choose and we have the right to live in a healthy environment. As the Amadiba Crisis Committee we say no to any kind of extractivism. Let’s put people before profit."