A French exploration company is planning to hunt for oil and gas in a 121,000 square kilometre area off the KwaZulu-Natal coast next year
The Cape Times reported that geological survey company CCGVeritas intended firing high-level, low frequency sound waves down to the sea bed, which would result in a two-dimensional image of geological formations.
This image could then be interpreted to pinpoint the presence of oil or gas.
The Petroleum Agency of SA had accepted its application for a permit, subject to the approval of an environmental management plan.
According to a background information document, the seismic survey could have “a very low to low” effect on dolphins, whales, turtles, sea birds and the fishing industry.
It proposed that the survey go ahead between next March and late May to avoid whale migration, peak turtle migration and nesting season.
According to the report, an independent marine observer could be placed on board to monitor the reaction of sea creatures during firing.
It said the firing should stop if there were obvious behaviour changes or if a creature was injured or killed.
Company probing KZN coast for oil, gas
A French exploration company is planning to hunt for oil and gas in a 121,000 square kilometre area off the KwaZulu-Natal coast next year
The Cape Times reported that geological survey company CCGVeritas intended firing high-level, low frequency sound waves down to the sea bed, which would result in a two-dimensional image of geological formations.
This image could then be interpreted to pinpoint the presence of oil or gas.
The Petroleum Agency of SA had accepted its application for a permit, subject to the approval of an environmental management plan.
According to a background information document, the seismic survey could have “a very low to low” effect on dolphins, whales, turtles, sea birds and the fishing industry.
It proposed that the survey go ahead between next March and late May to avoid whale migration, peak turtle migration and nesting season.
According to the report, an independent marine observer could be placed on board to monitor the reaction of sea creatures during firing.
It said the firing should stop if there were obvious behaviour changes or if a creature was injured or killed.
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