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Weeks of demonstrations in objection to underwater exercises involving explosives in the Simon’s Town Marine Protected Area (MPA) and near the endangered penguin colony seemed to have little to no effect as residents witnessed explosions taking place on Thursday 1 February.
On Monday 15 January, the SA Navy gave notice of a planned “underwater explosive exercise” to take place from 10:30 to 17:30 on Monday 22 January to Thursday 1 February.
The notice raised deep concerns among activists and residents about possible harm to marine creatures in False Bay.
In a statement, Greenpeace Africa said the explosions are a major threat to marine biodiversity.
Dr Aliou Ba, Ocean campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, said witnessing destruction was heartbreaking.
“We express our support to all the communities of Simon’s Town who have experienced this sad event last week.
“Our nature is our biggest wealth and witnessing its destruction by some human actions that could have been avoided is always heartbreaking.”
Such incidents wiped out the efforts made over several decades to conserve the marine ecosystem in an area that is rich and diverse, added Ba.
“Nature is a treasure, and the SA government should listen to the people who have since the beginning been asking for the blasting site to be shifted as it was close to the world-famous Boulders Beach African penguin breeding colony.”
Greenpeace Africa called on the Department of Defence and Military Veterans and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to stop the exercise that endangered marine life.
Meanwhile, discussions between the DFFE, South African National Parks (SANParks) and the SA Navy are ongoing to find solutions.
In a meeting on Sunday 28 January, between Ministers Thandi Modise and Barbara Creecy, it was agreed that exercises involving explosives needed to be carried out outside the marine protected area.
During a follow-up on Monday 29 January, a possible alternative location was reportedly discussed with SANParks and the SA Navy.
In a statement, the fisheries department said discussions on an alternative location for the exercises will continue with the aim of finding a lasting solution.
Questioned on the process of identifying alternative sites, SANParks confirmed that they were in talks with the relevant authorities.
“We can confirm that ongoing engagements are taking place between SA Navy, SANParks and DFFE. Planning and implementation require a coordinated effort given that several factors influence the requirements of identifying alternative sites for future testing.”
