Season’s Greetings from the SANAP Overwintering Teams
The SANAP overwintering teams have once again demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience in the face of the Antarctic region conditions. Over the course of the year, our teams have worked tirelessly to support vital research, monitor environmental changes, and uphold South Africa’s contributions to scientific exploration in the polar regions. From the early months of the year preparing for their journey to the end of the overwintering period, these teams have embodied the spirit of adventure, teamwork, and determination.
We would like to take this moment to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported our overwintering teams. To the families, friends, and loved ones who provide the emotional support necessary for our teams to thrive, your understanding and encouragement are invaluable. To the various stakeholders, including the South African government, research organizations, and our international collaborators, thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of Antarctic research.
To the overwintering teams themselves, we are incredibly proud of your unwavering dedication. Your perseverance, expertise, and positive spirit inspire us all and are the foundation of the success of the South African National Antarctic Programme. We also want to acknowledge the incredible teamwork that made all of this possible. The spirit of cooperation among SANAP’s overwintering teams is something that continues to inspire us all. Even in isolation, you worked together as a family, relying on each other to overcome the challenges the Antarctic winter throws your way.
To all our overwintering teams, their families, we wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. May 2025 bring new discoveries, further achievements, and continued collaboration.
Happy Holidays and a Successful 2025!
The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria is offering one suitably qualified candidate an opportunity to spend a year on Marion Island to measure various aspects of the impact of the house mouse on the diversity and function of the terrestrial ecosystems of Marion Island. This work will entail collecting baseline data, mostly on invertebrates and plants. (Photo Credit: Michelle Greve)
Every year, the South African vessel, the SA Agulhas II, embarks on a journey to Antarctica, marking the beginning of its annual research and supply voyage. This critical mission is not only a symbol of South Africa’s dedication to scientific research but also a lifeline for the overwintering team, personnel rotations, and vital logistical support for stations on the frozen continent. On the 15th of December, the SA Agulhas II departed from Cape Town, South Africa, bound for Antarctica. This voyage marks the commencement of a multifaceted operation, which encompasses research, supply deliveries, and personnel exchanges between Antarctica and the rest of the world. Left: Shiraan Watson DCO of DFFE 
The SA Agulhas II plays a pivotal role in supporting research and exploration in one of the most extreme and least understood environments on Earth. South Africa’s station in Antarctica, SANAE IV Station, rely on the vessel’s annual voyages for everything from scientific supplies to food, equipment, and fuel. The vessel also delivers critical scientific personnel, scientists, and engineers who are essential for conducting experiments, research, and environmental monitoring on the frozen continent.
Above: SANAE64 Overwintering Team with DFFE Takeover Personnel.
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus is suspected to have reached Marion Island, one of South Africa’s two sub-Antarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean and is possibly responsible for causing mortalities in at least three breeding seabird species.
The situation is being closely monitored by the 11-field personnel overwintering on the island, who have been trained to recognise possible HPAI signs in birds and seals, and in the necessary monitoring and mitigation methods. They will be taking all precautions to ensure they do not spread the virus, and they are collecting information to assist with decisions about the appropriate response.
The functions of the Forum, once established, are to advise the Minister on any matter referred to it by the Minister, and in particular on:
Photo Credit: Tavis Dalton and Sean Evans 
