by Rabia Mathakutha | Sep 28, 2023 | Commemorative Days, Current Event, Important Dates, International Days, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Infratsructure, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Uncategorised
Today marks World Maritime Day, a global commemorative day celebrated every last Thursday of September. This annual observance serves as a tribute to the indispensable maritime industry and its pivotal role in connecting nations, enabling trade, and fostering economic growth. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the maritime sector and advocate for sustainable practices in an ever-changing world.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has announced that this year’s World Maritime Day theme is “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. This theme highlights the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) on 2 November 1973. MARPOL focuses on preventing pollution of the marine environment caused by ships, whether it be from operational activities or accidental incidents.
International Cooperation and Sustainable Shipping
IMO currently has 175 Member States and three Associate Members. South Africa has been a member state of the IMO since 1995, sharing the responsibility to prevent pollution from ships.
In alignment with this year’s theme for World Maritime Day, we are reminded of the proactive measures taken by the country’s Department of Transport. In September 2022, they proposed amendments to the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act. One notable proposal is the potential increase in fines for ship pollution from R500,000 to R10 million, aiming to make non-compliance financially burdensome. These amendments specifically address the proper treatment and safe disposal of sewage from ships, as well as efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution.
The South African research and supply vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II, is an example of a large ship that meets and complies with the regulations set forth in MARPOL. With its ice-breaking capability, the S.A. Agulhas II frequently navigates the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters for scientific and research purposes as part of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP).
S.A. Agulhas II entering the Port of Cape Town, on return from the sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Image credit: Abuyiselwe Nguna (SAPRI LTO:Land Research Coordinator).
The S. A. Agulhas II is a state-of-the-art vessel that has been constructed with effective waste management systems. It is equipped with an advanced in-house waste water treatment system that efficiently treats liquid waste, sewage, and greywater before storing or disposing of them within permitted limits. Grease traps are utilised to manage greasy liquid waste, and a comprehensive garbage management plan is in place for all solid waste. These measures ensure adherence to both national and international maritime waste policies, while also supporting South Africa’s leadership in marine and Antarctic research expeditions through SANAP.
Celebrating South Africa’s Seafarers
The SANAP and SAPRI have published The Maritime Interview Series to pay tribute to the seafarers who play a crucial role in the success of the maritime industry. These individuals dedicate their lives to seamanship and are responsible for navigating the S.A. Agulhas II across the Southern, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans for various marine and Antarctic research expeditions. The interview series features six seafarers who work on the S. A. Agulhas II through the vessel managing agent, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL). To learn more about these local heroes in the maritime industry, please visit the links provided below.
The Maritime Interview Series 2023
World Maritime Day encourages us to reflect on the importance of sustainability, safety, and international cooperation in ensuring the enduring prosperity of this sector. As we chart a course toward a more sustainable future, let us acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of those who keep the world’s seas and oceans alive. Together, we can work towards safeguarding these invaluable natural resources for generations to come.
To our local seafarers, we say THANK YOU, for your dedication and endurance while at sea!
Written by: Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 28 September 2023
Edited by: Anche Louw (South African Polar Research Infrastructure) and Ria Olivier (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa)
by Ria Olivier | Aug 9, 2023 | Commemorative Days, Important Dates, News, Research, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Women in Science
Prof Juliet Hermes is the Manager of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), the Manager of the NRF- SAEON Egagasini Node, Honorary Professor at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), Professor at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and heavily involved in a number of international programs and committees where she represent the fantastic work being done in South Africa and Africa as a whole (see list below). She is a passionate physical oceanographer who loves the ocean, a mom of two boys and her life is guided by the words of late Nelson Mandela:
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that you have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
She makes a difference in her working environment through her collaborative nature and approachable demeanor.
“At the NRF- SAEON Egagasini Node I am supported by an incredible team consisting of biodiversity, modelling, observing and engagement specialists and of course administrative support. Together we advance our understanding of the marine offshore environment and our ability to detect, predict and react to global change through long term observations, modelling and research data”.
From Interim SAPRI Manager to SAPRI Manager
Juliet was initially involved in SAPRI as the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) institutional champion and worked closely with Dr Tammy Morris and Prof Marcello Vichi in writing the original proposal and following business plan for SAPRI. As the manager of the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node, which hosts the SAPRI LTO-Land and LTO-Ocean integrated facilities (IFs), she was made the interim manager of SAPRI in November 2021. Following discussions with the National Research Foundation (NRF), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) this role was then made permanent on the 1st of April 2023.
“It is a team effort with SAPRI and SAEON staff working closely together and the community also supporting us through the different user fora”.
Read more about the SAPRI IFs here.
Role of the SAPRI Manager
The role will change over time, the first 3 years will be overseeing the implementation of SAPRI – setting up the governance, employing the staff, overseeing the user fora groups, reporting to the advisory committees, the NRF and the DSI, working with DFFE, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) and the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) to integrate SAPRI and to maximize marine and polar sciences in South Africa. Understand the stakeholder needs and support the current community, whilst driving transformation and bringing in new stakeholders in terms of disciplines and institutes. A key aspect is also ensuring the sustainability of long term observations in the marine and polar space, and resolving long going issues between science and logistics.
Once the implementation has happened the role will be more in overseeing the operations, sourcing additional funding, driving transformation and continuing to work closely with DFFE and SANAP.
My expectations for SAPRI are for it to fulfill its vision: “to enable balanced and transformed research growth across the multiplicity of marine and polar disciplines, and to maintain and further expand the world-class, long-term observational research infrastructure and datasets already established within the South African marine and polar research environment.”
Juliet represent South Africa (and Africa) in the following international programs and committees:
- Ocean Decade task force to implement the Africa roadmap (read more here).
- Chair of the Climate and Ocean – Variability, Predictability, and Change (CLIVAR) Indian Ocean Regional Panel.
- Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group (IORAG) and the node hosts the South African chapter for this.
- Ocean Decade working groups (on capacity development and adaptation).
- Executive committee member of International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO).
- Vice chair on the Observation Coordination Group.
- Work closely with The Global Ocean Observing System for Africa (GOOS for AFRICA).
Read more: Second professorship for SAEON’s Juliet Hermes
Images and text supplied by Juliet Hermes.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 09 August 2023.
by Rabia Mathakutha | Jun 19, 2023 | Antarctica, Current Event, Environment, Important Dates, International Days, Invasion Biology, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Research, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic, Uncategorised
On 19th of June, the world comes together to celebrate World Albatross Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent seabirds and the conservation challenges they face. World Albatross Day serves as a crucial platform to educate and inspire action to protect these iconic ocean wanderers. With their graceful flight and important ecological role, albatrosses deserve our attention and concerted efforts for their survival.
South Africa is a long-standing Party to the International Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). The agreement was brought into existence on 1 February 2004. The day also falls on the date of the signing of the Agreement 22 years ago. ACAP has chosen the theme “Plastic Pollution” to mark the fourth World Albatross Day, to be celebrated on 19 June 2023. This follows the inaugural theme “Eradicating Island Pests” in 2020, “Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries” in 2021, and “Climate Change” last year in 2022.
Albatrosses close to home
Multiple species of albatross are found across the Southern Ocean. This includes Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and subtropical waters. These albatrosses breed on sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands including South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Marion Island holds significant breeding populations of four albatross species – the Wandering Diomedea exulans, Grey-headed, Light-mantled Phoebetria palpebrata and Sooty Phoebetria fusca. In addition to this, two other species of albatrosses have been seen ashore on Marion Island – Black-browed and Indian Yellow-nosed Thalassarche carteri. To read more about the “other” two species of albatrosses recorded from Marion Island as uncovered by one of our researchers Kim Stevens, click here.
The Challenges Facing Albatrosses
Albatrosses face a range of challenges that threaten their survival. One of the most pressing issues is longline fishing, where albatrosses can become accidentally caught on fishing hooks, leading to injury or death. Pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species on breeding islands also pose significant risks to their populations. World Albatross Day sheds light on these challenges and promotes measures to mitigate their impact. The pressing threats to Albatrosses in the Southern Ocean include invasive species on breeding islands, most notably, the house mice on Marion Island. Introduced to Marion Island by sealers in the early 19th century, the house mice have been inflicting devastating impacts on the ecology of the island, including killing its native seabirds.
Conservation Efforts and Awareness
The Mouse-Free Marion Project is a registered non-profit company in South Africa, established to eradicate the invasive albatross-killing mice on Marion Island. The project was initiated by BirdLife South Africa and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate. For more information or to support the project please visit mousefreemarion.org.
May 2023: Barbara Creecy, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, confirms government support for the Mouse-Free Marion Project in her budget speech.
What can you do?
In keeping with this year’s theme for World Albatross Day “Plastic Pollution”, as an individual you can participate by reducing plastic pollution, organising or joining local beach cleanups, where you can help remove litter and prevent it from reaching the oceans, including minimising the use of single-use plastics. Education plays a vital role in driving positive change for albatross conservation. Increase your understanding of albatross biology, their unique adaptations, the threats they face, and the ecological importance they hold in marine ecosystems by reading some of these selected publications here. By raising awareness and fostering partnerships, we can work collectively to safeguard albatross populations and their habitats.
Let us unite in our efforts to protect these majestic ocean wanderers and ensure a future where albatrosses continue to grace our oceans for generations to come.
YOU CAN HELP SAVE MARION ISLAND’S SEABIRDS
Images: The Mouse-Free Marion Project (text added to MFM poster) and Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA)
Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 19 June 2023
by Rabia Mathakutha | Jun 8, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Commemorative Days, Current Event, Discover, Environment, Important Dates, International Days, Marine Protected Area, Oceanography, SA Agulhas II
Preserving our precious marine ecosystems
Every year on the 8th of June, the world comes together to celebrate World Oceans Day, a global event dedicated to honouring and protecting our vast marine environments. This special day serves as a reminder of the significant role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth and the urgent need to conserve and restore their health. With over 70% of our planet covered by oceans, it is crucial to recognise the immense value they hold and take action to safeguard their future.
World Oceans Day is a day to appreciate the abundant biodiversity that thrives in these waters and reflect on the numerous benefits oceans provide, such as climate regulation, food security, and economic resources.
Event of interest on 8 June 2023
Significance of World Oceans Day
The delicate marine ecosystems face numerous threats, including pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. World Oceans Day emphasises the need to protect and restore these ecosystems through sustainable practices.
Promoting conservation efforts
What can you do?
Individuals can participate by organising or joining local beach cleanups, where they can help remove litter and prevent it from reaching the oceans. By minimising the use of single-use plastics and making environmentally conscious choices, individuals can also contribute to reducing pollution in our oceans.
Recreational diving with a purpose. Cleaning the ocean one dive at a time. Image credit: Thando Mazomba.
Take-home message
World Oceans Day is an annual celebration that reminds us of the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. It urges us to recognise the urgent need to protect and restore marine ecosystems through sustainable practices, education, and policy changes. By coming together on this special day, we can create a collective voice for ocean conservation and work towards a future where our oceans thrive, benefiting both present and future generations. Let us celebrate World Oceans Day and commit to preserving the precious wonders of the deep blue.
On social media
Rabia Mathakutha & Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 08 June 2023
by Ria Olivier | Oct 18, 2022 | Announcement, Antarctica, Important Dates, Meetings, News, Research, SANAP, SCAR, Science, Southern Ocean
This is the first announcement for the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) Biology Symposium 2023 in New Zealand.
Conference Website
Will you be attending/presenting a paper? Let ALSA know!
by Ria Olivier | Jun 19, 2022 | Announcement, Environment, Important Dates, International Days, Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic
World Albatross Day was inaugurated by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) in 2020 and is now celebrated annually on 19 June.
I have spent the past eight years in close contact with albatrosses, but have realised that many don’t really know of their existence and/or importance. World Albatross Day is a very important initiative to highlight the wonders of these special birds, as well as the threats they face on a daily basis.
Stefan Schoombie, a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town. His research focus is on the behaviour of seabird species.
How did you end up working on seabirds in the sub-Antarctic?
After finishing a BSc (Hons) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2012, I had the opportunity to overwinter on Marion Island as part of the 70th overwintering expedition. During this expedition (2013-2014) I worked as a field assistant (for Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology), monitoring seabird colonies, and gathering data for my Master’s degree.
I was fortunate enough to join several more expeditions to Marion Island between 2015 and 2019, this time gathering data towards my PhD degree, while performing other research activities with the ultimate goal of seabird conservation.
Read more about Stefan’s research and publications here!
How would you describe your first encounter with an albatross?
The first albatross I encountered was a Wandering Albatross, sitting on a nest on Marion Island. The sheer size of the bird was unbelievable, but the fact that they are so calm in our presence was incredible. Adult albatrosses breeding on sub-Antarctic Islands have no natural predators while on land, and thus they are not as scared of us as most land birds that we are used to. However, the most amazing thing about a Wandering Albatross is when they open their wings and reveal a three-meter wingspan.
Swartkops hut (on the Western side of Marion Island) and hundreds of Wandering Albatross nests.
The different Albatross species on Marion Island are each unique in their own way. How would you describe the uniqueness of each species?
WANDERING ALBATROSS
By far the most impressive of the albatrosses when you are up close. I tracked the fine-scale movements of these birds for my PhD degree, resulting in a lot of close encounters with them. We also monitored hundreds of breeding birds, as part of a long-term monitoring program. I was fortunate enough to spend enough time on Marion Island to see albatross chicks grow up from tiny chicks up to the point where they were large and strong enough to fly off into the vast Southern Ocean skies. Part of my research included the use of bird-borne cameras, where we were able to see what the birds experienced from their point of view, giving me a new-found respect for the incredible flying capabilities of these birds.
SOOTY (OR DARK-MANTLED SOOTY) ALBATROSS
These were the first albatross species I worked with, while gathering data for my MSc. Part of my research included setting up a long-term monitoring colony of Sooty Albatrosses. This included marking a large number of birds with unique numbered rings, for identification, which is particularly challenging seeing that these are cliff-nesting birds. One of the most memorable things about Sooty Albatrosses is their calls, which echo along the cliffs as they call to their partners. They also perform a synchronised flight as part of their courtship which is something to behold.
LIGHT-MANTLED (OR LIGHT-MANTLED SOOTY) ALBATROSS
These birds are very similar to the Sooty Albatross and I conducted the same research as with the Sooty Albatrosses. Light-mantled Albatrosses are more common in the southern parts of the Southern Ocean, with Marion Island being their northernmost breeding ground. Thus, their population size is quite small on Marion and the birds are a bit more skittish than other species.
GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS
These are incredibly beautiful birds that are very photogenic, but their cliff-nesting behaviour makes them difficult to get close to. Apart from a small monitoring colony, we normally don’t come close to these birds and only perform annual counts with binoculars. However, in 2015 increases in attacks from invasive house mice resulted in us monitoring them much closer. Grey-headed Albatrosses breed in dense colonies which is like a very noisy, busy airport terminal, with birds landing and taking off all around you.
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Marion Island is not a breeding ground for Black-browed Albatrosses, but there is one vagrant individual that breeds with Grey-headed Albatrosses from time to time, resulting in hybrid offspring.
Seabirds of the sub-Antarctic are under threat due to unsustainable fishing practices, climate change, and invasive species. Currently, on Marion Island, the invasive house mice are threatening the albatross species living and breeding on this sub-Antarctic island. The Mouse-Free Marion Project (partnering with BirdLife South Africa and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) aims to remove the mice from Marion Island in 2024.
YOU CAN HELP SAVE MARION ISLAND’S SEABIRDS
View the ACAP Media Release for this Year’s Albatross Day
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 19 June 2022.
Images: Stefan Schoombie.
