Case Decision - 197092

The South African Heritage Resources Agency would like to thank you for submitting the Draft Scoping Report for the Amendment of an Existing Prospecting Right to Include Bulk Sampling by Moonstone Diamonds Marketing (Pty) Ltd on Sea Concession 13(b), Vredendal, West Coast, South Africa. 
In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999 (NHRA), Sections 2 and 35 stipulates that any wreck, being any vessel or aircraft or any part thereof older than 60 years old lying in South Africa's territorial waters or maritime cultural zone is protected and falls under the jurisdiction of SAHRA's Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit. These heritage sites or objects may not be disturbed without a permit from the relevant heritage resources authority. 
The number of known shipwrecks along the South African coast is approximately 2500 and although many occur in shallower waters, the positions of the large majority of these wrecks are unknown. Given the distance from the shore and the depths at which the activities will take place it is unlikely that cultural remains will be discovered. There are no known shipwrecks in the area of the proposed sampling, however, the potential for the discovery of previously unknown wrecks remains. 
The proposed work consists of three activities and their associated studies, namely non-intrusive geophysical survey followed by intrusive drilling and bulk sampling. 
The need for a specialist study of underwater cultural heritage has been identified in section 3.3.1 of the DSR which states that a maritime heritage and palaeontology assessment will be conducted.  SAHRA supports this recommendation. The heritage impact assessment must include a specialist study of maritime and underwater cultural heritage to be undertaken by a suitably qualified Maritime Archaeologist and must include mitigation and management measures to address any possible threat. 
If any shipwrecks are identified during the survey SAHRA must be informed of any such discovery. This management measure must be inserted into the appropriate section of the EMP. Survey data is a valuable resource in adding to our knowledge of South Africa’s maritime history. 
Please note that on page 36 the first paragraph of section 3.1.11 reads National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act 25 of 1998) when it should be National Heritage Resources Act, No 25 of 1999, this must be amended to avoid confusion.