Stop-Seismic-Testing – Future Communications

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Protect Mozambique's Ocean Heritage
Say No! To Seismic Testing

Our Ocean. Our livelihoods. Our Future.

Petition

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Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP)

To: The Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP)
Subject: Request That No Approval Be Granted for Offshore Seismic Testing

Honourable Minister,

We respectfully request that no approval, licence or authorisation be granted for any offshore seismic testing activities affecting Mozambique’s coastline until clear, transparent and independently verified criteria have been met.

Mozambique’s coastal economy depends heavily on tourism, fishing, marine biodiversity and community livelihoods. Any seismic activity that may place these sectors at risk should only be considered once there has been full public consultation, independent environmental review, and clear assurance that the long-term interests of Mozambique and its people are protected.

We therefore request that no seismic testing proceed until:

1. A full and independent environmental and socio-economic impact assessment has been completed.

2. Coastal communities, tourism operators, fishing communities and relevant stakeholders have been properly consulted.

3. The potential impact on marine life, fisheries, tourism and livelihoods has been clearly assessed and publicly disclosed.

4. Emergency, compensation and accountability measures are agreed in advance.

5. A transparent national review confirms that the benefits outweigh the risks to Mozambique’s coastal economy and natural heritage.

This request is made in support of responsible development, environmental protection and the long-term sustainability of Mozambique’s tourism and marine resources.

We respectfully ask the Ministry to support a precautionary approach and place the protection of Mozambique’s coastline, communities and future economy at the centre of this decision.

Yours faithfully,

Concerned Citizens, Tourism Stakeholders, Community Members and Supporters of Mozambique’s Coastline

Protect Mozambique’s Ocean from Seismic Blasting

Mozambique’s coastline is home to rich marine life, including whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, fish, coral reefs and many species that support local communities, tourism and fishing.

But our ocean is now under threat from seismic blasting

Seismic blasting is used to search for oil and gas beneath the seabed. It involves loud airgun blasts fired into the ocean every few seconds, day and night, sometimes for weeks or months.

These powerful blasts can disturb marine life, affect feeding and breeding, damage hearing in whales and dolphins, and harm the small sea creatures that form the base of the ocean food chain.

Mozambique’s ocean is too valuable to put at risk.

Our coastline supports fishing families, tourism businesses, coastal communities, marine protected areas and future generations. Expanding fossil fuel exploration in our ocean should not come at the cost of marine life, livelihoods and natural heritage.

We are calling for an immediate temporary ban on seismic blasting in Mozambican waters until:

Proper independent research is done on the impact of seismic blasting on Mozambique’s marine ecosystems.
The effects on whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, fish, coral reefs and local fisheries are fully understood.
Coastal communities, tourism operators, fishers and environmental experts are properly consulted.
Existing seismic survey data is reviewed and shared to avoid unnecessary repeated blasting.
Seismic blasting is stopped in sensitive marine areas and areas that have already been surveyed.

Mozambique’s marine life cannot speak for itself. We must speak for it.

This is an opportunity to protect our ocean, defend coastal livelihoods and safeguard Mozambique’s natural heritage.

We call on the Government of Mozambique and the relevant authorities to place an immediate moratorium on seismic blasting in Mozambican waters until the full environmental, social and economic impacts are properly understood.