The existence of fishing activity alongside upstream oil and gas drilling was the focus of a high-level dialogue that took place in Cape Town in August. Science-based presentations from experts on the impact of oil and gas drilling and exploration were among the highlights of the summit between the petroleum industry and small-scale and commercial fishing players.

A ground-breaking case study on the effect of marine seismic surveys on the movement, abundance and community structure of groundfish in the North West Shelf of Australia was presented at the event. This study provides practical experiences of the coexistence of the two industries in pursuit of the economic development of Australia.

Hosted by the departments of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) as well as Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and the Petroleum Agency SA (Pasa), the event was part of a series which will culminate in a colloquium to be held jointly by the two departments later this year. It follows another pre-colloquium dialogue held in Johannesburg in July, discussing upstream oil and gas activities and the environment.

Dr Mark Meekan and Dr Miles Parsons from the independent Australian Institute of Marine Science gave a presentation about their extensive study providing practical experiences of the coexistence of the two industries in pursuit of the economic development of Australia.

Their study in real world conditions using a seismic survey found that no harm to marine life had occurred during. Their research had formed the basis for the Australian government to develop its oil and gas industry. Similarly, the discussion at the summit will help frame a consistent policy on protecting the environment for future generations against sustainable economic development.

Such policy on government exploration in developing local hydrocarbons can assist to mitigate rising inflation due to high fuel prices, and the continued blackouts that, in 2019, cost the economy between R59bn and R118bn.

At the summit both small-scale and commercial fishers were adamant that any oil and gas exploration that was planned off the coast should not have an effect on fishing activities.

Pedro Garcia, chairman of the SA United Fishing Front, a grassroots group of small-scale fishers said that discussing and formulating a grass-roots consultation framework was necessary to help businesses and the government better connect with all stakeholders.

“We are not opposed to development but we our communities want to know exploration will not harm the marine life and that we stand to benefit from these activities. Many of our communities are impoverished and do not trust government and big industry,” said Garcia. “What we are demanding is more comprehensive consultation.”

Fisheries SA chairman Loyiso Phantshwa said his organisation was also not opposed to the development of the oil and gas sector, but their members were concerned with the potential impact on long term resources.

“There is not enough research on the fishing industry nor oil and gas, especially the impact of such activity 25 years later. For decades we as the fishing industry have been operating in these waters and we would want to know that there will be no long-term environmental damage because we will still rely on these waters for long after the oil and gas companies have left.”

In SA, seismic surveys have been met with resistance from environmental activists who have mounted legal challenges around the consultation processes and the perceived negative effect on marine life.

Department of Minerals and Energy Deputy-Director General for Mineral Policy and Promotions Ntokozo Ngcwabe said indigent communities would reap the spin-offs when South Africa’s oil and gas industry is developed.

“Norway is a great example of a country that built wealth for all its people on the back of oil and gas. Its sovereign wealth fund ensures responsible and long-term management of revenue from Norway’s oil and gas resources, so that this wealth benefits both current and future generations.”