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The National Council of SPCAs says it officially submitted a formal appeal against the proposed 3D seismic survey off the southeast coast of South Africa.
Spokesperson, Jacque Peacock, says their objection highlights critical concerns related to animal welfare and environmental impact.
He says the appeal was submitted under the Regulations of the National Environmental Management Act.
Peacock says insufficient consideration was given to the aspects of animal welfare aspects in the preliminary assessment and authorisation.
The NSPCA has amplified the importance of legal precedent, established by our Courts, including the Constitutional Court, which emphasises the need for animal welfare to be recognised as a vital aspect of our lives and for considerations in that regard to take the forefront in any decisions which may affect animals.
Peacock says turtles go deaf, whales cease their songs, and seals lose track of migratory routes during mating season.
CGG Services SAS was approved by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy for Environmental Authorisation to undertake a speculative 3D seismic survey in the Algoa/Outeniqua Basin.
The proposed survey would cover an area of up to 9 000 square kilometres roughly between Gqeberha in the East and approximately 120 km southeast of Plettenberg Bay.
This past weekend, as part of COP28's Global Day of Action, Civil Society and Coastal Communities around the country held protests along local beaches stretching from the Western Cape right through to Kwazulu Natal.
Activists are calling for climate justice and an end to fossil fuel projects as they fear that if any resources are found companies will start drilling for oil which could lead to devastating consequences
