Seismic surveys and whales : an animal rights response to extractivism off the South African coast

Abstract

Applications by multinational corporations to conduct seismic surveys to extract oil and gas off South Africa’s coastline are becoming more prevalent. In response, courts have played a crucial role in promoting the narrative that seismic surveys are dangerous and leave devastating effects in their wake. In this paper, I argue that extractivism, illustrated by seismic surveys, is not only damaging to the environment by contributing to climate change, but that conducting seismic surveys is harmful to marine life, including the humpback whale. I establish that the detrimental environmental impacts of extracting oil and gas from the ocean represent a climate change mitigation issue which militates against granting permits for seismic surveys to be conducted; and I advocate for South Africa affording rights to non-human animals in light of their inherent sentience, which could in turn result in practices such as seismic surveys being prevented. To practically illustrate the significance of my arguments, I delve into case law and scientific evidence and illustrate how a shifting ethic toward non-human animals and climate change is essential to protecting our planet.