Filling nozzles and pumps at a Shell gas station in Greece Photo: AFP

Hundreds of environmentalist demonstrators gathered on South African beaches on Sunday to protest against oil and gas exploration by energy giant Shell.

In Cape Town protesters held up the peace symbol, banners reading "Shell in Hell" and a giant model snoek fish to highlight their concerns about the potential impact of the project on sea life.

Under a dull, rainy sky, protesters in Gqeberha waved signs showing a Shell logo altered to resemble a hand showing its middle finger and calling for a boycott of the group's petrol stations.

Activists say Shell's plans to search for oil and gas deposits off South Africa's beloved Wild Coast - a key tourist attraction - pose a danger to marine animals.

Shell plans to use seismic waves emitted from boats equipped with air cannon to analyze the geological structure of the ocean floor, hunting for spots likely to contain hydrocarbons.

Ecologists say the exploration technique could upset animals' behavior, feeding, reproduction and migration patterns, with many sea creatures such as whales relying heavily on their sense of hearing.

But a court on Friday rejected their request for an emergency injunction against Shell's plans.

AFP