Proposed Survey Activities in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B South Coast, South Africa

A community pamphlet published by Natural Justice in March 2025 detailing proposed oil and gas survey activities by Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B off the southern coast of South Africa. The document outlines the technical nature of the surveys, potential environmental and socio-economic impacts, and the public participation process for the Draft Scoping Report.

• Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd proposes 'downscaled and non-invasive' surveys in Licence Blocks 9 and 11B/12B in the Outeniqua Basin to gather data on the seafloor, sea life, and ocean conditions. The survey area covers 8620 km2 of ocean with water depths ranging from 100m to 2200m, starting 65 km offshore at its closest point.
• The proposed survey activities include bathymetry and sonar mapping of the seafloor, collecting sediment samples, using Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for photos and videos, and conducting environmental baseline and metocean surveys to measure wave heights, tidal currents, and water temperatures.
• The project may negatively impact local livelihoods, specifically fishing, tourism, and cargo ship traffic, in coastal towns such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Gqeberha. The document notes that the current survey phase is short-term and unlikely to provide significant local employment, creating only a few jobs for highly skilled people.
• Environmental risks include underwater noise that could affect marine life, including whales, dolphins, and sea birds, and the discharge of liquids such as grey water, treated sewage, and engine water. Additionally, ship movements may release greenhouse gases including sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
• The surveys may impact the cultural and spiritual heritage of indigenous groups who view the project area as 'living' waters. A 2023 study for the Block 11B/12B Production Right EIA highlighted a racial dynamic in South Cape Coast communities that hinders access to the ocean and cultural sites despite the end of apartheid legislation.
• The project is currently in the Scoping Phase of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, with SLR Consulting (South Africa) acting as the Environmental Assessment Practitioner. The public was invited to submit comments on the Draft Scoping Report by 3 April 2025.

APA

Natural Justice (2025). Proposed Survey Activities in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B South Coast, South Africa. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/English_MainStreet-Blocks911B12_community-pamphlet-FINAL.pdf

Chicago

Natural Justice. Proposed Survey Activities in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B South Coast, South Africa. 2025. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/English_MainStreet-Blocks911B12_community-pamphlet-FINAL.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Natural Justice |title=Proposed Survey Activities in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B South Coast, South Africa |date=March 2025 |url=https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/English_MainStreet-Blocks911B12_community-pamphlet-FINAL.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{naturaljustice2025proposed, author = {{Natural Justice}}, title = {{Proposed Survey Activities in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B South Coast, South Africa}}, institution = {Natural Justice}, year = {2025}, month = mar, url = {https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/English_MainStreet-Blocks911B12_community-pamphlet-FINAL.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }