The Namdeb Coastal Monitoring Programme has been running since 1994 and is conducted by various independent consultant scientists. The Programme assesses the environmental effects of different aspects of the operations, namely: The impact of the discharge of fine tailings from the Elizabeth Bay mine on the rocky shore and shallow sub-tidal ecology of Elizabeth Bay: This monitoring was previously undertaken at least annually and is now being conducted every two years.  The effects of shore-based contractor diamond divers operating in the Elizabeth Bay region on the ecology of the bay: This monitoring was also previously undertaken at least annually and is now being conducted every two years.  The effects of vessel-based diamond divers on the sub-tidal ecology of Elizabeth Bay: Diamond diving was found to have no significant negative effects on the rock lobster population in the area. Some ongoing monitoring is taking place.  The impact of fine tailings disposal on surf zone fish in the Lüderitz area: This study revealed three fish species that were previously unrecorded in Namibian waters.