Stakeholders in Algoa Bay continue their efforts to ensure that ship-to-ship bunkering does not grow out of control, by requesting an Environmental Impact Assessment and independent auditors. An oil spill hotline has also been set up with the assistance of environmental scientists and attorneys to monitor and check the legality of bunkering activity.
South Africa as a country is dedicated to respectful human-cetacean coexistence, particularly regarding whale and dolphin watching. Boat based tour operators must have a government-issued permit, but only if the company adheres to clear conditions and an established code of conduct. The Department of Environmental Affairs grants permits to operations that they believe will aid in the protection of the area and its marine life. Currently, there is one boat-based whale watching permit holder operating in the area (Raggy Charters) which is also WCA Approved as it advocates responsible behaviour around cetaceans. Its team also work with the South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) and have assisted with numerous disentanglements in their local waters.
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