The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) proudly welcomed home the Marion 82 (M82) overwintering team, who arrived back in Cape Town on 27 May 2026 after spending more than a year on Marion Island. The dedicated base team ensured the smooth operation of the station throughout the overwintering period, while field researchers successfully conducted extensive scientific research and collected valuable data for a range of ongoing research projects.
A special welcome ceremony was held on board the S.A. Agulhas II to celebrate the safe return of the team and recognise their contribution to South Africa’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research efforts. Honourable Minister Willie Aucamp handed over certificates to each team member in recognition of their participation in the Marion 82 expedition. In addition, every team member received an award presented by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Project in acknowledgement of their dedication and service during the mission. (Image: Miniter Aucamp with the M82 Overwintering team at East pier with the S.A. Agulhas II in the back)
The Marion 82 team continued SANAP’s proud tradition of advancing scientific understanding in one of the world’s most remote and environmentally significant regions. Their work contributes to important long-term monitoring and research programmes focused on climate, biodiversity, oceanography, conservation, and environmental change in the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic ecosystems.
The Marion 82 overwintering team was first introduced in a 2025 blogpost on the SANAP website. Readers can revisit the introduction to the team and also explore their first newsletter to learn more about the team members, their experiences, and activities during their time on Marion Island.