In 2021, Shell were due to begin seismic surveys along the Wild Coast. Seismic surveys produce a powerful underwater noise, greater than 230 decibels, continuously for months, which is extremely damaging to marine life.
Local communities and NGOs, supported by WILDOCEANS, campaigned to stop Shell from following through with this operation.
Grahamstown High Court in Makhanda ordered Shell to immediately halt seismic survey activities along South Africa’s Wild Coast. Shell and the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy were also ordered to pay the costs of the application for the interim interdict. A different high court order gave Shell approval to proceed with the seismic survey. However, the Judge announced that Shell had a duty to meaningfully consult with the communities and individuals who would be impacted and that, based on the evidence provided, Shell failed to do so in the case of the applicant communities who hold customary rights, including fishing rights. This was a victory for the South African coastline and its biodiversity.
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