by Ria Olivier | May 25, 2023 | Announcement, Discover, News, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invites you to attend the S.A. Agulhas II Open Day on the 10 & 11 June 2023 at the V&A Waterfront (Port of Cape Town, East Pier).
What your FREE ticket will include:
- A guided tour of the South African (Polar) research and supply vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II.
- Access to various marine science and environmental conservation exhibitions.
Download your FREE tickets here: https://qkt.io/eRLI9e
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 25 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | May 24, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Jobs, Marine Protected Area, Oceanography, Research, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic
As per job advertisement:
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
SAEON is mandated to establish and manage long-term environmental observatories; maintain reliable long-term environmental data sets; promote access to data for research and/or informed decision making; and contribute to capacity building.
The SAEON Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, requires the services of a:
Ocean and Polar Coordinator for day-to-day scientific, operational and logistical coordination.
Application Closing Date: 05 June 2023
Click on the link below:
Position: Ocean and Polar Coordinator
Read more about SAPRI – click on the link below!
South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI): Feedback and start of the Preparatory Phase
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 24 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | May 22, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Research, SANAP, Science
NRF-SANAP Funded Project:
Ross seal ecology, behaviour and physiology in a changing environment
Post-doctoral position available for a self-starting, motivated colleague who is interested in marine mammal ecology, specifically trophic dynamics, bulk and compound stable isotope analyses.
Research topic: Trophic dynamics of Ross seals in the Weddell Sea.
The candidate will analyse bulk stable isotope and compound-specific isotope data from amino acids to investigate the level of inter- and intra-individual dietary specialisation.
The position is funded for 24 months through an NRF South African National Antarctic Program Postdoctoral Grant at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the University of Pretoria (Pretoria, South Africa). Project start date is as soon as the candidate is available.
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in either ecology/zoology or related fields;
- Availability to travel to France for specialised laboratory work.
Added Advantages:
- Experience in working with isotopic data and/or marine mammals is preferred but not a requirement.
- Strong writing skills and an ability to adapt/learn quickly are major advantages.
Please note that the successful candidate will have to spend most of their time in Pretoria and remote work for the entire duration of the project is not possible.
Potential candidates who identify with groups traditionally under represented in the sciences are especially encouraged to apply. If you have questions or are interested in the position, please email Dr Mia Wege and/or Prof Trevor McIntyre and attach your CV and cover letter. Teaching and research statements are not needed.
Position will be open until filled.
Dr Mia Wege:
Prof Trevor McIntyre:
Text: Dr Mia Wege
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 22 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | May 18, 2023 | Announcement, Marion Island, News, Newsletters>Marion Island Newsletters, Overwintering Team, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, sub-Antarctic, Team member, Team Photo
The 79th Marion Island overwintering team arrived on Marion Island on 21 April 2022.
They are back in Cape Town, after spending 386 days on the island and 6 nights on the S.A. Agulhas II for the journey home.
If you want to know more about the work this team did on the island, check out their newsletters (click on the link below).
Marion79 Newsletters
The featured image is the team’s official team photo and displayed on the wall inside the sub-Antarctic Marion Island research station.
Team Photo:
Top row (L-R): Banele Dosi (MIMMP Sealer), Samuel Peta (O & C Birder – DFFE), Sanele Action Mkhize (Diesel Mechanic), Siphesihle Faltein (Assistant Meteorological Technician – SAWS), Lucy Smyth (MAPRU/NMU Birder), Michael Ross (MIMMP Sealer).
Middle row (L-R): Monica Leitner (MIMMP Killer whaler/Sealer), Mndeni ‘Amani’ Hlatshwayo (Medical Orderly), Thendo Sikhwari (Senior Meteorological Technician – SAWS), Andile Ace Mdluli (O & C Birder – DFFE), Gladys Kemei (Communications Engineer and Deputy Team Leader), Tankiso H. Moso (SANSA Electronics Engineer and Science Team Leader), Ntlangemhlophe Sanele Sukude Nombekela (Chef), Mishumo Masithembi (Environmental Control Officer).
Bottom row (L-R): Gcobani Tshangana (Assistant Environmental Control Officer), Austin Acro Gumba (UKZN Astrophysicist), Tanganedzani Tshitavhe (Assistant Meteorological Technician – SAWS), Tshimangadzo Jufter Munyai (Base Engineer and Team Leader), Elsa van Ginkel (MFM Ecologist).
Inserts (left): Abuyiselwe Nguna (Geomorphologist); (right): Vhuawelo Simba (MFM Ecologist). These team members were evacuated from the island in July 2022, due to injuries obtained.
MAPRU/NMU – Marine Apex Predator Research Unit / Nelson Mandela University; MFM – The Mouse-free Marion Project; MIMMP – Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme; DFFE – Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; O & C Birder – Oceans and Coasts Birder; SANSA – South African National Space Agency; SAWS – South African Weather Service; UKZN – University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Images taken on arrival – 18 May 2023
Featured image credit: Tshimangadzo Jufter Munyai (Base Engineer and Team Leader).
Arrival images credit: South African Polar Research Infrastructure research coordinators.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 18 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | May 4, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, Legacy, Marion Island, News, Prince Edward Islands, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAE IV, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Southern Ocean
Dear Colleagues,
As I prepare to turn the page of a decade-long chapter of managing Operations and Infrastructure Support for Antarctica and Southern Ocean work and move on to new horizons, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Working together in enabling South Africa’s presence in this unique and challenging environment has been an unforgettable experience that has enriched my life in countless ways.
The extreme conditions and remoteness of the environment have demanded the best of me, and I am incredibly proud to have been part of it all. It sometimes felt like dealing with the logistical complexities of supporting Marine and Antarctic activities were the same as navigating the harsh ice conditions. We have faced and overcome numerous challenges as a team. Even though we may not have agreed on everything, the bonds we have built and the memories we have made will always hold a special place in my heart. I am truly grateful for the friendships, support, agreements and disagreements we have shared.
I am also deeply appreciative for being entrusted to manage South Africa’s presence in these pristine environments, and to have personally witnessed the beauty and wonder of Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island. The rough seas, breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and understanding that there is so few which get this opportunity, have left an indelible mark on me, and I will forever cherish these memories.
As I move on to new endeavours away from the Ocean and Polar space, I will carry with me the valuable lessons I have learned especially when dealing with an unpredictable environment – the importance of adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and tenacity. The various curveballs and unexpected challenges have made me more resourceful in finding solutions. I am confident that the skills and experience gained will serve me well in my future pursuits.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and friendship during my tenure in the Antarctic and Marine space. I will always treasure the memories and the connections made, and I wish you all the very best in your ongoing work in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean or wherever your paths may lead you.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and please stay in touch.
With deepest gratitude,
Nish Devanunthan
Former Operations Coordinator: South African Polar Research Infrastructure (2022 to 2023)
Former Director – Operations and Engineering: South African National Antarctic Program (2013 to 2022)
Farewell gathering at SAEON Egagasini Node end of April 2023
Message from the SAPRI Team:
Even though Nish was with SAEON and SAPRI for only 9 months, he left a great legacy and managed to really ramp up the operations within SAPRI. He has a fountain of knowledge on Antarctica and Islands, DFFE, the S.A. Agulhas II and supply chain management, yet he still has a great sense of humour and commitment to action in the face of bureaucracy.
Nish, fair winds and following seas, we have the watch (although might ring you every now and then!).
SAEON Egagasini Node and SAPRI Team (L-R) Back: Simoné Louw (Node Administrator), Laura Braby (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), Saffiya Seddick (Seamap Coordinator), Juan-Jacques Forgus (Technician), Nicole du Plessis (Science Officer), Arno Botha (PhD Student), Zach Smith (Systems Developer), Nkululeko Memela (Operational Ocean Modeller); (middle) Lara Atkinson (Offshore Marine Scientist), Jennifer Veitch (Numerical Ocean Modeller), Anne Treasure (SAPRI DPS Node Manager), Anche Louw (SAPRI Digital Marketing and Communications Manager), Daneeja Mawren (Postdoctoral Research Fellow); (front) Juliet Hermes (SAEON Egagasini Node Manager and SAPRI Manager), Nish Devanunthan (Former SAPRI Operations Coordinator) and Thomas Mtontsi (Science Engagement Officer).
Feature Image: Nish Devanunthan at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station, SANAE IV.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 04 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | Apr 26, 2023 | Announcement
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Egagasini Node, based in Cape Town, Western Cape, requires the services of a:
SAPRI Operations Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day operational and logistical management of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI).
As per job advertisement:
The South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
SAEON is mandated to establish and manage long-term environmental observatories; maintain reliable long-term environmental data sets; promote access to data for research and/or informed decision making; and contribute to capacity building.
This positions is supported by the Department of Science and Innovation’s South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) programme and will be based in Cape Town.
Application Closing Date: 11 May 2023
Click on the link below:
SAPRI Operations Coordinator
Read more about SAPRI – click on the link below!
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 26 April 2023
