Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 22 November 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Green Connection says it is critical to confront the environmental and social risks posed by seismic surveys. The environmental organisation together with Aukotowa Fisheries Primary Co-Operative, and Natural Justice, have launched a judicial review over decisions to grant authorisation to TGS Geophysical Company, to conduct seismic surveys off South Africa’s West Coast. Green Connection’s Liz McDaid says the ocean is an acoustic world, with marine species relying on sound for communication, navigation, and survival. She says seismic surveys disrupt this delicate balance.

# The Centre for Biological Control has been appointed by Rand Water to manage invasive plants in the Vaal River Barrage reservoir. Efforts target water hyacinth and water lettuce which are highly invasive species exacerbated by nutrient-rich effluent, high temperatures, and reduced water flow. The organisation’s head, Julie Coetzee, says the aims is to maintain plant coverage below one-hectare using biocontrol agents, physical removal, and chemical methods. She says long-term efforts include community partnerships and rearing facilities for specialised biocontrol agents.

# And finally: Five oil and chemical companies that are part of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, have produced one-thousand times more new plastic in five years than the waste they diverted from the environment. This is according to data obtained by Greenpeace. The companies, including Exxon, Shell, and Total, had promised to divert 15 million tonnes of plastic waste from the environment in five years to the end of 2023. This was by improving collection and recycling and creating a circular economy. The alliance says it disagrees with the data.

Stay tuned for more news………….