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TotalEnergies (TEEPSA) plans to drill up to seven exploration wells for oil and gas in the southern Deep Water Orange Basin (DWOB), approximately 211 km off the South African coast at depths between 500m and 3,900m. The project is currently in the second stage of its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with the public invited to submit comments on the ESIA draft report by 10 March 2025. Potential risks identified include noise and pollution affecting marine life—such as whales, dolphins, and African penguins—as well as negative impacts on local fishing livelihoods and the cultural and spiritual significance of the coastline from Port Nolloth to Cape Town. Additionally, fishers and environmental groups are expected to challenge TEEPSA's existing environmental authorisation for the western DWOB in the Cape High Court in February 2025.

Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd is seeking Environmental Authorisation for offshore surveys in Blocks 9 & 11B/12B, located 65–190 km off the South Coast. The project is currently in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) phase, which requires the applicant to consult affected communities regarding potential risks to sea life, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Public meetings were scheduled between 14 and 24 July 2025, with a deadline for comments on the Draft ESIA Report set for 14 August 2025.