by Ria Olivier | Sep 16, 2025 | Announcement, Antarctica, International Days
On 16 September, we join the global community in celebrating the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The ozone layer acts as Earth’s protective shield, filtering harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Thanks to international cooperation and scientific research, the ozone hole is slowly healing, reminding us of the power of collective action in safeguarding our planet.
South Africa contributes directly to this global effort through the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). At SANAE IV in Antarctica, as well as on Marion and Gough Islands, SANAP scientists conduct long-term atmospheric and environmental monitoring. This includes measuring stratospheric ozone levels, UV radiation, and atmospheric interactions—critical data that help track ozone recovery and understand climate–ozone linkages.
By providing empirical observations from the Antarctic—one of the most sensitive regions for ozone depletion—SANAP’s research supports international scientific assessments and strengthens policy decisions under the Montreal Protocol. Today, as we mark Ozone Day, we celebrate the progress made and reaffirm SANAP’s commitment to advancing research that protects both the ozone layer and future generations.
by Ria Olivier | Aug 25, 2025 | Research, SANAP, South Atlantic, Southern Ocean
Pelagic High Seas Ocean Ecoregionalisation of the Indian Subantarctic (PHOCIS) will be holding a workshop in Cape Town, South Africa, 25 – 29 August 2025. The main objectives for the Cape Town workshop will be for participants to present and discuss progress on all PHOCIS work packages, but in particular to advance WP4 on Integrated Ocean Management (this study), and WP5 on Research and Monitoring.
The PHOCIS project, “Pelagic High Seas Ocean Ecoregionalisation of the Indian Subantarctic,” is
a scientific initiative focused on dividing the open ocean waters around the Indian subantarctic
region into distinct ecological zones based on their unique marine life and environmental
conditions, with the primary goal of identifying and protecting critical conservation areas within
the subantarctic high seas. The integrated ocean management process will encompass the high
seas within 20°E to 150°E and from 40°S to 60°S. Most of the western area falls within the
CCAMLR boundary whereas the eastern area is outside the CCAMLR boundary.
The main objectives for the Cape Town workshop will be for participants to present and discuss
progress on all PHOCIS work packages, but in particular to advance WP4 on Integrated Ocean
Management, and WP5 on Research and Monitoring. Reports generated will be presented to
CCAMLR via the Scientific Committee and its Working Groups.
PHOCIS is structured into 6 WPs (Work Packages), which are further subdivided into sub-WPs:
WP1 Pelagic ecoregionalisation
WP1.1 Geography
WP1.2 Pelagic oceanographic regions
WP1.3 Plankton and pelagic fish spatial distributions
WP1.4 Seabird and marine mammal distributions
WP1.5 Pelagic ecoregionalisation synthesis
WP2 Connectivity between ecoregions
WP3 Historical and forecasting trends
WP4 Integrated Ocean Management
WP4.1 List of conservation objectives
WP4.2 Human impacts
WP4.3 Systematic Conservation Planning
WP4.4 Legal framework
WP5 Research and Monitoring
WP6 Education and knowledge dissemination
Since its inception meeting in 2019 in Cape Town, PHOCIS has been holding workshops on an
annual basis, either online, in-person, or hybrid.
For more info, contact:
Azwianewi Makhado (amakhado@dffe.gov.za) or
Philippe Koubbi (philippe.koubbi@sorbonne-universite.fr)
by Ria Olivier | Aug 12, 2025 | Announcement, Ecology, Environment, Invasion Biology, Jobs, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Microbiology, Research
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Understanding Mouse Impacts on Sub-Antarctic Marion Island at Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria. (image: Otto Whitehead)
An exciting postdoctoral fellowship is offered on our South African National Antarctic Programme project “Towards a comprehensive understanding of impacts of the invasive house mouse on the terrestrial biodiversity of Marion Island”. Sub-Antarctic Marion Island is one of the most isolated landmasses globally. The house mouse invaded the island in the early 1800s, and its impacts are manifold, and intensifying under climate change. This project aims to fill gaps in understanding mouse impacts on the island, with the purpose of informing the planned mouse eradication. This position will provide exciting opportunities to work on excellent long-term and/or spatially well-sampled datasets and inform island management.
Full Details and Advertisement
Additionally, opportunities to collaborate locally and internationally exist within this project. We are looking for a candidate with expertise in one or several of the following, or related fields: community ecology, isotope ecology, entomology, botany, trait ecology; or with an ability to learn the necessary skills. Their primary responsibility will be conducting and leading research into one or several of these themes. Opportunities for student supervision and teaching also exist.
Closing Date : 29 August 2025
by Ria Olivier | Aug 11, 2025 | International Days, Marine Protected Area, Microbiology, Research, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean
Every year on 11 August, World Krill Day draws global attention to the small but mighty Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)—a cornerstone of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. For decades, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) has played a role in advancing krill research, from early expeditions that mapped their distribution and seasonal abundance, to long-term monitoring of how environmental change impacts their population dynamics. Historical studies conducted on board research vessels such as the SA Agulhas have built a foundation of knowledge on krill biology, diet, and role in supporting predators like penguins, seals, and whales. These efforts have helped inform sustainable fishing guidelines and contributed to international collaborations through the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Today, SANAP’s scientists continue to track krill populations using modern acoustic survey techniques, satellite-linked oceanographic data, and advanced modelling to understand how sea ice shifts and warming waters may affect their future. Current projects explore krill’s role in the carbon cycle and their resilience to environmental stress, while future research aims to integrate genetic studies to assess population connectivity across the Southern Ocean. By combining historical data with cutting-edge science, SANAP is helping to safeguard this keystone species—and, in turn, the health of the entire Antarctic ecosystem.
On this World Krill Day, we celebrate not just the species itself, but the decades of South African research dedicated to understanding and protecting it.
Documents and references available on ALSA Repository
by Ria Olivier | Aug 9, 2025 | Antarctica, Gough Island, Humanities, International Days, Legacy, Marion Island, SANAE, Southern Ocean, Women in Science
Celebrating the Women of SANAP this Women’s Month
Ukubhiyozela Amabhinqa SANAP kule Nyanga Yabafazi
Sibungaza Abesifazane SANAP Kule Nyanga Yabesifazane
Ho Keteka Basali SANAP Kgweding ya Basadi
Ons Vier die Vroue van SANAP in Vrouemaand
Each year on the 9th of August, South Africans of all backgrounds, races and cultural groups join together in celebrating National Women’s Day. This significant day, and the month of August as a whole, offers us the opportunity to honour the remarkable women who continue to shape the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). From overwintering team members braving the extremes of Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands, to the researchers expanding our understanding of climate, ocean, and biodiversity systems — their contributions are integral to SANAP’s mission.
We also pay tribute to the women behind the scenes: administrators, logistics coordinators, construction workers, and technical staff who ensure the success of every expedition and the operation of our remote bases. These women embody resilience, leadership, and innovation in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, SANAP proudly acknowledges and thanks all women — past and present — whose dedication and excellence drive our programme forward.
The PHOCIS project, “Pelagic High Seas Ocean Ecoregionalisation of the Indian Subantarctic,” is
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Understanding Mouse Impacts on Sub-Antarctic Marion Island at Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria. (image: Otto Whitehead)
Every year on 11 August, 
Each year on the 9th of August, South Africans of all backgrounds, races and cultural groups join together in celebrating 
We also pay tribute to the women behind the scenes: administrators, logistics coordinators, construction workers, and technical staff who ensure the success of every expedition and the operation of our remote bases. These women embody resilience, leadership, and innovation in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
