Interdict granted against seismic blasting

On Sunday kayakers took to the Atlantic waters off Three Anchor Bay to protest against the planned seismic activity by Searcher Geodata UK Limited.

The protesters, under the banner of Oceans Not Oil, were part of a national coastal protest to demand an end to the development of oil and gas development in the oceans.

“I find it deeply distressing the damage that seismic blasting can do to marine life, especially the whales, and it’s important for me to be part of this protest as i am deeply connected to the ocean and it’s important for us to speak up and hold government accountable,” said Lori Lake.

“I’m part of this protest as we want to bring awareness about how dangerous this process is to the whales and dolphins, in fact all marine life, it’s a call for regulation and care to be taken when processes such as seismic testing are under way,” said Ledelle Moe.

On Monday February 7 Justice Daniel Thulare directed Searcher to discontinue any activities related to the seismic survey. The interim interdict has been granted until the next court date on Monday March 7 when the merits of the interim interdict would be argued.

“While it is disheartening that the only way that South Africans can get justice from government is by taking it to court, it does restore our faith when the law protects the rights of the people, as was the case today,” said the Green Connection’s community outreach co-ordinator, Neville van Rooy.

The Green Connection is an NPO which aims to contribute to sustainable development goals.

“From what we could tell, Searcher tried to delay the proceedings, arriving to court unprepared and requesting a postponement. Thankfully, Judge Thulare could not ignore the risk of possible irreparable harm taking place during the postponement period, which he granted. And while we still must prove our case, we are grateful that the seismic blasting will stop, until arguments are heard.”