Oiling the Response
The successful implementation of the Phakisa Operations: Ocean Economy workstreams, particularly the Marine Transport and Manufacturing and Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration work streams are bound to result in accidental pollution events, despite the best practice being used to manage and prevent these unfortunate events.
Photo by Keith Spencer, Kianu Satu, 2013.
In August 2013, the Kianu Satu lost her tow during a coastal operation and without engine power grounded on a shallow reef of the coast of the Southern Cape. The accidental grounding resulted in the Goukamma Marine Protected Areas beaches receiving the brunt of the oil split during the shipping accident.
Undoubtedly, the single most concerning event is a dreaded oil spill. Oil spills could originate from accidental spillage during various offshore operations such as Oil and Gas Production, shipping accidents, oil bunkering or transfer operations or even illegal dumping. Oil spilt at sea is difficult to contain and almost always results in oil reaching the shore.
Preparedness for such an event is probably the single most important factor to have in place on the ground to make any response the most efficient and effective. Awareness is, in turn, the foundation of being prepared.
The Eastern Cape’s jewel town of Jeffreys Bay was the focus for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environments (DFFE) Coastal Pollution Management team to run a hands-on workshop aimed at improving awareness and ability of Local Authority staff to respond effectively to a localized oil spill along the weather swept coast.
Thirty partner participants from DFFE, SANParks, CapeNature, Sarah Baartman District Municipality and Local Municipalities of Kouga, Koukamma and Nlambe took part in the workshop.
On Day 1, a series of presentations and discussions covered the Causes and Fate of oil spills; the Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts of oil spills; Principles of oil spill Preparedness and Response and Waste Management.
On Day 2, some surprised participants found themselves fully Tyvek coated, wet soled and sandy-handed while the experienced Pollution Management team members instructed the establishment of Hot, Warm and Cold Zones, erecting of signage, pump starting and boom inflation, boom positioning and anchoring, oil skimmer operations, crowd control and management, waste management and several smaller on-site aspects, all under the banner of Environmental Protection, that would be required during a typical response.
Good comradery and cohesive work by all ensured a successful awareness-raising and hands-on experience for all participants.
Related News
New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat
The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.
Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating
Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape
CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.
A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
How biodiversity crime threatens the Western Cape’s people, economy, and ecosystems
Biodiversity crime may sound like something intangible compared to other crimes encountered on a daily basis in our lives, but it is a very real and growing threat to our planet’s delicate ecosystems. It includes any illegal activity that harms plants, animals, or the ecosystems they depend on from high-profile crimes like rhino poaching to illegal plant trade in the Western Cape. It can even be something as simple as picking wildflowers in a nature reserve without permission or a permit.
Young leopard dies after being caught in gin traps near Heidelberg
CapeNature can confirm the death of a young leopard following a call to assist in a rescue operation on 2 July in the Heidelberg area, near the World Heritage Site of Boosmansbos.
Officials discovered a young 13 kg male leopard, estimated to be around six months old, ensnared in two gin traps set adjacent to each other. One front paw and one hind leg were caught. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the leopard did not survive.
Darwin200 Young Leaders & CapeNature Launch Inspiring Documentaries
Three DARWIN200 young leaders worked hand in hand with CapeNature to produce awe-inspiring and heartwarming videos on the Cape vulture colony of Potberg, the bontebok at De Hoop Nature Reserve and the invasive carp at Groenvlei. Click read more to watch the videos.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?