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This fact sheet by WWF South Africa describes Small-Scale Fishing Zones (SSFZs) as a mechanism to protect the livelihoods of coastal communities and preserve marine biodiversity in South Africa. It outlines the legal framework, the role of co-operatives, and the potential for these zones to contribute to global conservation targets like the '30x30' goal through the recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

A guide produced by Natural Justice in September 2025 regarding proposed offshore oil and gas exploration drilling by Total Energies (TEEPSA) in the southern part of the Deep Water Orange Basin (DWOB) block.

This briefing by the World Resources Institute outlines four critical priorities for the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) taking place in Nice, France, from June 9th-13th, 2025. The document emphasizes the need to scale up funding for Sustainable Development Goal 14, integrate ocean-based solutions into national climate strategies ahead of COP30, accelerate the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, and promote 100% sustainable ocean management through Sustainable Ocean Plans.

This report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the increasing trend of offshore oil and gas extraction in 2024, highlighting that the vast majority of new discoveries, project approvals, and startups are located in the oceans. It argues that this shift toward deepwater development contradicts climate goals to limit warming to 1.5°C and poses significant risks to marine biodiversity and the global atmosphere throughout the project lifecycle.

A community pamphlet published by Natural Justice in March 2025 regarding proposed survey activities in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B off the south coast of South Africa. The document outlines the project's scope, the environmental and social impact assessment process, and provides guidance for the public to submit comments on the Draft Scoping Report by April 3, 2025.

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.

This guide, published by Natural Justice in March 2025, provides small-scale fishing communities in South Africa with a framework for pursuing 'ocean justice'. It details the legal rights of these communities, the environmental and socio-economic impacts of industrial developments like oil and gas exploration, and practical steps for participating in environmental impact assessments and legislative processes to protect their livelihoods and the marine environment.

This guide, published by Natural Justice, informs the public about the draft Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for oil and gas exploration in Block 3B/4B off the west coast of South Africa. It outlines the proposed activities by a joint venture of Africa Oil South Africa Corp, Ricocure (Pty) Ltd, and Azinam Limited, detailing the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts, and providing instructions for public comment and participation.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs advocates for the upscaling of marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It highlights the vulnerability of coastal and island states to climate risks and argues that integrating EbA into national policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can simultaneously address climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development.

A community guide published by Natural Justice in June 2023 regarding the proposed oil and gas exploration by TotalEnergies EP South Africa B.V. (TEEPSA) in the Deep Water Orange Basin off the west coast of South Africa.

This policy brief advocates for the scaling of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in the coastal and marine environments of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to enhance climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and promote socio-economic development.

This research paper examines the integration of marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) within the climate policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of 10 SADC member states. It identifies a systemic gap where terrestrial concerns often overshadow marine issues, leading to a disconnect between high-level global pledges and local implementation. The author analyzes national case studies, identifies significant hurdles—including capacity gaps, siloed governance, and financing shortages—and provides recommendations for strengthening the 'seascape' approach to climate resilience in Southern Africa.

This legal briefing by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) analyzes the decision of an arbitral tribunal to deny an amicus curiae submission by CIEL and the Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Puerto Chale in the case of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. United Mexican States. The briefing argues that the denial undermines the legitimacy of the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system and ignores the significant environmental and human rights risks associated with the Don Diego seabed mining project.

The Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción Pesquera Puerto Chale S.C.L. and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) submitted an amicus curiae application to the ICSID Tribunal in the case of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. United Mexican States. The amici argue that the Mexican State was justified in denying an environmental permit for the Don Diego seabed mining project in the Gulf of Ulloa, as the project would violate international environmental and human rights laws, specifically the precautionary principle and the rights to work, health, and a healthy environment.

This policy brief examines the evolution of international ocean governance from the 1972 Stockholm Conference to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It details the legal frameworks established to manage marine resources and pollution, the challenges of fragmented sectoral management, and the urgent need for a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to address cumulative stressors like climate change, overfishing, and acidification.

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics summarizes the IPCC's Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, detailing the accelerating degradation of polar regions, oceans, and mountain ecosystems. It highlights the irreversible nature of some changes, the risks to global sea levels and water security, and the resulting threats to biodiversity and human livelihoods.

This policy brief examines the impact of seismic surveys used in oil and gas exploration on marine fauna, specifically within South Africa. It argues that current mitigation guidelines, which are often based on the UK's JNCC standards and developed by the companies conducting the surveys, are insufficient. The author recommends the establishment of an independent regulatory board to create country-specific, science-based legislative frameworks to protect biodiversity and maintain environmental integrity as South Africa expands its ocean economy through Operation Phakisa.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the governance of Namibia's fisheries since independence in 1990. It analyzes the country's efforts to rebuild fish stocks, capture economic rents, and promote local ownership through 'Namibianisation' policies, while highlighting the ecological challenges of the Benguela Current ecosystem and the risks of developing new deep-sea fisheries.

The World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA), represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), filed an internal appeal to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on 26 July 2013. The appeal challenges the DMR's refusal to grant access to records regarding seabed prospecting rights and strategies in South Africa's territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which the DMR claimed would substantially and unreasonably divert its resources.

A statement from an unnamed Association to the Department of Mineral Resources objecting to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and public participation process conducted by Green Flash Trading 251 and 257 (Pty) Ltd regarding prospecting rights for marine phosphates between Cape Columbine and Cape Infanta.