Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries Media Release: International wildlife documentary series to be filmed on Marion Island – 16 September 2020
Following a rigorous approval process that involved key stakeholders, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has approved a proposal by the United Kingdom (UK) based film and production company, Plimsoll Productions, to film a wildlife documentary series on Marion Island.
The approval will see film makers and scientists collaborate to ensure the continuation of important research projects on Marion Island. There are significant, globally valued long-term science and conservation projects on Marion Island that were interrupted by the COVID19 pandemic and both parties viewed this as an opportunity for collaboration.
The agreement with Plimsoll Production includes the charter of a private vessel at their own cost, with an offer to transport 7 members of the M77 over-wintering team to the island, in September 2020. This would allow for the mitigation of the impact of Covid-19 on science activities by enabling filmmakers and scientists to combine efforts to enable the continuation of field science programmes on Marion Island, as well as filming incredible natural behaviour. Some of these scientific datasets on Marion Island are nearing 40 years of uninterrupted observations.
In consultation with the Department of Science and Innovation, there was a thorough analysis of the proposed activities and a permit with very strict conditions has been issued. To monitor compliance with the permit conditions, a departmental official will accompany the film crew to ensure that they observe the necessary regulations and protocols. The proposal also went through an extremely rigorous interrogation by the Prince Edward Island Advisory Committee (PEIAC). The PEIAC was established in compliance with the Prince Edward Island Management Plan to ensure that the pristine nature of the Prince Edward Island is maintained and all activities are controlled and in compliance with the Management Plan.
In keeping with the COVID-19 prescripts and regulations, the entire team will adhere to a strict working COVID protocol. For the trip to Marion Island, the charter vessel will be de-contaminated prior to departure. A full inspection will be conducted on the vessel by DEFF to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The entire filming team, scientists and vessel crew will all be quarantined and COVID-19 tested in the lead up to departure. All participants on the expedition will undergo full medical examinations prescribed for visitors to the Antarctic or Sub-Antarctic.
The expedition will depart from Cape Town to Marion Island in mid-September.
It is the first time in the history of the National Antarctic Programme of South Africa(SANAP) that there were no family and friends to wave farewell to M77 overwintering team members for the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries offices of Oceans and Coast at East Pier at The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The S. A. Agulhas II departed with only crew and a very reduced team and a few takeover personnel. Judy Beaumont farewell speech is available on the digital repository.
The same scenario will happen when M76 return to Cape Town at the end of the week. When M76 departed for Marion in 2019 there were many family, colleagues and friends to say goodbye, but when they return by the end of the week there will not be family and friends to welcome them back after more than a year on Marion Island. COVID-19 pandemic has an influence on SANAP logistics, science and research.
Before the M76 team members left on Marion there were a few goodbyes before taken by Ultimate Heli to the S.A. Agulhas II. Three team members from Marion 76 is staying behind to complete the few personnel that will be staying on Marion Island. Foto above- left: Marius(M76), Khulisa (M77) and gerald(M76) Foto above right: Philane(M77) and Gerald(M76).
Philane, Nkoane, Khuliso of M77
Marion Helipad with S.A. Agulhas II in the back on its way to Cape Town.
Bye end of week we would like to welcome Marion 76 back in Cape Town!
Marion 77 will depart today from East Pier to Marion Island. In a press release Minister Creecy (see below) stated that :” As a result of the lockdown and as per announcement of the President, the voyage planning and arrangements have to be reconfigured to minimise risks;
We have taken decisions which we believe are in the best interest of existing participants and the overwintering team which we need to return from Marion Island to South Africa;
To this end, the Department together with key partners and specialist advisors have decided that the voyage will proceed but with a significantly reduced vessel crew and expedition complement;
The expedition will include an essential support team for logistics, maintenance and overwintering. There will be no field science activities during the relief and overwintering periods;”
As the team members is in isolation a photo of team members will be post as soon as possible
Listen to DDG Judy Beaumont speech to Marion Island Voyage Participants, wishing them all the best for this historic trip during COVID 19 pandemic. Letter to participants available on digital repository.
INVITATION FOR INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PROPOSALS 40th INDIAN SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA(40-ISEA)
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, an Earth System Science Organization (ESSO-NCPOR & erstwhile NCAOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, is the nodal agency for implementation of the Indian Antarctic Programme. Hitherto, thirty-nine scientific expeditions to Antarctica have been successfully completed. The fortieth Antarctic Expedition, scheduled to be launched in October- November 2020 is being initiated through this advertisement.
-NCPOR operate two-year round stations in Antarctica, which are~ 3000 km apart
The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (40-ISEA) embarks on a new journey of scientific research. ESSO-NCPOR welcomes long-term innovative scientific proposals in thematic areas and its sub-themes in different disciplines. In addition to the ongoing programmes
Bharati Station
of different institutions, ESSO-NCPOR welcomes scientific projects under the following broad areas with area of focus being Amery Ice-Shelf in Prydz Bay region for multi-national, multi-institutional programme with special reference to geoscientific program viz identification of orogenic and cratonic components to arrive at a refined India-Antarctica geological correlation.
Maitri Station
Travel arrangements for all expedition members from Goa to Antarctica and back is taken care of by ESSO-NCPOR. Travel only available in Summer Season
SAVE the Date for the 6th Biannual SANAP Symposium that will take place 22-25 June 2020.
Read Gansen Pillay opening speech to the SANAP community at the previous symposium in Hermanus.
Communication form the Director of Knowledge Advancement and Support (KAS), Tracy Klarenbeek : ” Please save the date for the 2020 SANAP Symposium: 22-25 June 2020 (inclusive). This date has been selected to accommodate the university exam timetable, and the departure of the SEAMester cruise. So as to feed into the international space, it is also scheduled to take place before the 2020 SCAR Conference in Hobart in August 2020. The event is going to take place in the Western Cape. More details to follow in due course. “
Benefits of Attending Conferences
Get feedback on an early version of your latest work.
Get to know other people in your field.
Hear about the latest research.
Improve your presentation and communication skills.
Meet your academic heroes.
Engage in high-level debates and refine your ideas.
Adding to your CV.
Left: Opening session of the 5th Biannual SANAP Symposium hosted by CPUT and SANSA.
Venue will soon be announced and Symposium website opened.
SEAmester – South Africa’s Class Afloat aims to introduce marine science as an applied and cross-disciplinary field to students who have shown an affinity for core science disciplines. It will combine traditional class-room lectures with hands-on ship-based deck activities for a maximum of 46 students; while providing them with an opportunity to support specialist scientists in recognised marine research activities. Our research group comprises of over 30 oceanographic, fisheries, biogeochemical and biological experts, who jointly have trained over 600 Southern African students on-board a wide variety of international and local research vessels. read more at SEAmester website
How do I qualify?
A maximum of 46 post-graduate (Honours/BTech, MSc/MTech, PhD and Interns) University and Technikon students will be selected nationwide. Applications will be accepted from currently registered post-graduate students with a background in marine or similar sciences. Past sea-going experience is not compulsory. Left: Rudzanie Silima best Student SEAmester 2019 with Prof Isabelle Ansorge of UCT
What ship will SEAmester take place on?
The new South African polar research vessel SA Agulhas II will be used for SEAmester V. The SA Agulhas II is a state-of-the-art icebreaker and is fully equipped for all marine research activities. To find out more go to https://www.sanap.ac.za/
What will it cost me?
Nothing. SEAmester is fully funded through the Departments of Science and Technology (DST) and Environmental Affairs (DEA). All board and lodging onboard the SA Agulhas II will be provided free of charge through SEAmester.
What research will SEAmester be involved in??
SEAmester will run in parallel to the scientific objectives of the Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) spearheaded by DSTs SAEON Egagasini node. ASCA is a multi-institutional, international collaboration and designed to provide the first long-term observations of Agulhas Current volume, heat and salt transport and its variability from seasonal to interannual timescales. ASCA’s objectives are to determine how the Agulhas Current and its role in the global conveyor belt varies over time. To find out more go to http://asca.dirisa.org
Listening for mammal sounds.
Working on their Aghulus bottle opener in the practical session.
What will be expected from me?
You will be expected to choose one of two module steams – either Tools of the Trade or Oceans in a Changing World (see overleaf). Learning will comprise of daily class-room lectures, daily assignments and deck work – running in parallel to the ASCA programme. Students from both streams will also provide research support to specialist scientists and obtain daily hands-on deck training, data collection, sampling and data analysis. Each student will gain experience working with the full suite of oceanographic, atmospheric and biological ship-based instrumentation such as CTD, underway measurements and autonomous devices such as Argo, SVP drifters as well as gain experience on all biological net tows. Training on data analysis following each deployment will be given, as well as technical and electronic experience in calibrating, assembling and modifying each instrument. In addition, each student will work on a specific scientific mini-project related to their area of interest and the scientific research underway.
What are the tentative dates for SEAmester?
SEAmester will depart on the 13th July returning to Cape Town on the 24th July 2020. Travel arrangements and costs will be made through the SEAmester programme for all students residing outside of the Western Cape. PLEASE NOTE: Applicants to be aware that the cruise dates may be subject to change by a few days.
What travel documentation must I have?
SEAmester will be working outside of South African waters and therefore all participants are requested to have a valid passport. SAMSA approved medicals will be required and costs incurred will be covered by the SEAmester programme. Students with study visas need to ensure that their visas have not expired.
Is there reading material – See the attached files (SANCOR site) for any additional reading material, or contact Isabelle.Ansorge@uct.ac.za
See SEAmester 2019 videos on SEAmester website as well as the previous years
Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries Media Release: International wildlife documentary series to be filmed on Marion Island – 16 September 2020
Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries Media Release: International wildlife documentary series to be filmed on Marion Island – 16 September 2020
Following a rigorous approval process that involved key stakeholders, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has approved a proposal by the United Kingdom (UK) based film and production company, Plimsoll Productions, to film a wildlife documentary series on Marion Island.
It is the first time in the history of the National Antarctic Programme of South Africa(SANAP) that there were no family and friends to wave farewell to 
Marion 77 will depart today from East Pier to Marion Island. In a press release Minister Creecy (see below) stated that :” As a result of the lockdown and as per announcement of the President, the voyage planning and arrangements have to be reconfigured to minimise risks;
Listen to 
INVITATION FOR INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PROPOSALS 
(40-ISEA)
-NCPOR operate two-year round stations in Antarctica, which are~ 3000 km apart
from Goa to Antarctica and back is taken care of by ESSO-NCPOR. Travel only available in Summer Season
SAVE the Date for the 6th Biannual SANAP Symposium that will take place 22-25 June 2020.
” Please save the date for the 2020 SANAP Symposium: 22-25 June 2020 (inclusive). This date has been selected to accommodate the university exam timetable, and the departure of the SEAMester cruise. So as to feed into the international space, it is also scheduled to take place before the 2020 SCAR Conference in Hobart in August 2020. The event is going to take place in the Western Cape. More details to follow in due course. “
Left: Opening session of the 5th Biannual SANAP Symposium hosted by CPUT and SANSA. 
What ship will SEAmester take place on? 
